Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), recently classified the right-wing party Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) as an “extremist” organization.
This designation allows the government to intensify its surveillance efforts on the party, which has gained popularity among voters concerned about immigration and European Union sovereignty.
The BfV stated that the party’s focus on ethnicity and ancestry is incompatible with Germany’s democratic values.
This move has prompted a strong response from AfD leaders, who argue that the classification is politically motivated. Stephan Brandner, an AfD official, criticized the BfV’s decision as “complete nonsense” and suggested it reflects a partisan attack against the party by established political groups.
The AfD has become increasingly influential, polling at around 24%, comparable to the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in recent surveys.
The party currently holds 152 seats in the German Bundestag, underscoring its growing presence in German politics.
Previously, the BfV had classified the AfD as a “suspected case of right-wing extremism” in 2022, which initiated initial surveillance measures.
Additionally, the German government is considering the establishment of a new media oversight body aimed at monitoring “information manipulation,” suggesting a broader crackdown on what it deems misinformation.
Germany has already implemented strict laws against “hate speech,” with authorities even raiding homes of individuals accused of posting offensive content online.
Critics, including Vice President JD Vance, have voiced concerns about Europe’s censorship laws and have expressed support for the AfD.
The BfV’s decision to label the AfD as extremist signals a significant escalation in the government’s approach to monitoring political dissent, particularly from the right.
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