Germany’s Police Chief Declares AfD Membership "Incompatible" with Service

Germany’s Federal Police Commissioner, Uli Grötsch, has stated that membership in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is incompatible with serving in law enforcement. His remarks, published Monday in the Rheinische Post, come amid heightened scrutiny of the AfD’s ties to extremist ideologies.

"AfD membership and working as a police officer are incompatible," Grötsch said. The former Social Democrat (SPD) lawmaker added that officers who demonstrate clear allegiance to the party should be removed from duty. "For me, commitment means openly supporting the party, running for local office, or even standing for election to the Bundestag," he explained.

AfD’s Extremist Classification Under Legal Review

Grötsch cited a recent decision by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), which in early May designated the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" organization. The classification was based on evidence suggesting the party seeks to undermine Germany’s democratic order.

However, the BfV has since suspended the designation while the AfD challenges the ruling in court. Until the Cologne Administrative Court issues a final decision, the agency will continue to treat the AfD as a "suspected" extremist group.

The anti-immigration AfD, currently the largest opposition party in Germany’s parliament, has faced growing criticism over its ties to extremist factions. The party secured second place in several state elections earlier this year, raising concerns about its influence on public institutions, including law enforcement.