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A neutral take:

German Intelligence Labels AfD a “Securely Right-Wing Extremist” Movement

Federal Agency Grants Itself Full Monitoring Powers

Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the domestic intelligence agency, has officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “gesichert extremistische Bewegung” (securely extremist movement). This designation permits the BfV to deploy all available intelligence tools to monitor the party.

https://x.com/Zlatti_71/status/1953103245724791208?t=pIvsOhNw37D_Pp4WIUpqxA&s=19

Progression of Classification

The classification represents the culmination of a multi-step process:

•Initially labeled a “Prüffall” (review case)

•Then a “Verdachtsfall” (suspicion case)

•Followed by a “Beobachtungsfall” (observation case)

This process had already been completed for various AfD state branches, including Saxony, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt.

Reasons for the Classification

The BfV cited the “people-disregarding, extremist character of the entire party” as the foundation for its assessment. Key reasons include:

•A “prevailing ethnically-ancestral understanding of the people” within the AfD, deemed incompatible with Germany’s democratic order

•Exclusion and devaluation of specific population groups, especially migrants from Muslim-majority countries

•Internal and public statements by AfD officials that support this worldview, despite its absence in the official party program

•Documented ideological and personal ties to violent circles, raising concerns about threats to democratic stability

These claims were upheld by the Higher Administrative Court in Münster in a previous ruling.

Timing and Controversy

The announcement’s timing stirred political controversy:

•Made public by outgoing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, just days before a new chancellor’s swearing-in

•Critics call the timing “fatal” and speculate it was politically motivated

•Faeser withheld the report, which had been internally available for months, during the election campaign and coalition negotiations

Further controversy surrounds:

•The report’s drafting under former BfV President Thomas Haldenwang, who announced his candidacy for the CDU, raising concerns over political impartiality

•Lack of transparency, as the expert report behind the classification remains unreleased

•Fears of blurred boundaries between state intelligence and party politics

Political Reactions and Implications

The AfD announced plans to legally challenge the decision. Meanwhile, broader political concerns emerged:

•Ineffectiveness of surveillance strategy: Monitoring has not hindered AfD’s rise. For example, the Thuringia branch, led by Björn Höcke, has seen record results despite years of scrutiny

•Counterproductive consequences: Critics argue the classification will not shrink support and may harden AfD voter loyalty

•Trust erosion: Concerns grow about a state agency policing political parties, possibly damaging democratic trust

•Strengthening AfD’s narrative: The move may validate the party’s claims of being a victim of political suppression

•Need for deeper analysis: Instead of debating a party ban, some call for addressing root causes behind AfD’s popularity

•Government responsibility: Critics partly blame the “Ampel” coalition for enabling the AfD to become the largest opposition in the Bundestag

AfD’s Current Political Standing

The AfD continues to gain political momentum:

•Largest opposition faction in the Bundestag

•Holds 20.8% of seats

•In some polls, listed as strongest party, surpassing the CDU/CSU

•Saxony-Anhalt could potentially see the first AfD-led state government next year