German Intelligence Labels AfD a 'Right-Wing Extremist' Organization

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has officially designated the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “right-wing extremist” organization. The move, announced Thursday, marks the first time in post-war German history that a major political party represented in the Bundestag has been classified as a proven extremist threat to the constitutional order.

Intelligence Agency Issues Statement

In its formal declaration, the BfV stated that the AfD is now recognized as an “established extremist organization,”citing its “disregard for human dignity” and ethno-nationalist ideology.

“The party’s prevailing concept of the people, based on ethnic descent, is incompatible with the democratic values enshrined in the Basic Law,” the agency noted.

The agency also emphasized the AfD’s long-standing hostility toward migrants and refugees, particularly those from Muslim-majority countries, arguing that the party does not consider such individuals to be equal members of German society.

Enhanced Surveillance Powers Approved

The new classification allows German authorities to expand intelligence surveillance of the AfD using methods such as:

• Covert observation of party meetings

• Telephone and digital communications interception

• Recruitment of confidential informants

These powers are typically reserved for organizations deemed to pose a significant threat to Germany’s free democratic basic order.

Political Repercussions and Legal Context

The reclassification has reignited political debate over whether the AfD should be banned outright from German politics—though such a move would require approval from the Federal Constitutional Court and faces significant legal hurdles.

This is the latest step in a years-long process:

• In 2019, the AfD was labeled a “case for review.”

• In 2021, it was upgraded to a “suspected extremist case.”

• By 2023, internal assessments pointed to full extremist designation, finalized in 2025.

Previously, only the AfD’s regional branches in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia had been classified as extremist. The latest decision now extends that designation to the entire national party.

AfD’s Rise and Growing Influence

Founded in 2013, the AfD initially focused on Eurozone skepticism and economic policy amid the Greek debt crisis. However, its popularity surged during the 2015 European refugee crisis, as it adopted an increasingly anti-immigration and nationalist agenda.

Despite being labeled right-wing populist by analysts, the party has made electoral gains in recent years. In early federal elections on February 23, 2025, the AfD took second place nationwide for the first time—a result that has intensified political scrutiny and alarm among mainstream parties.

So far, no other major political party has formed a coalition with the AfD, either at the federal or state level.