Germany’s Intelligence Agency Classifies AfD as ‘Proven Extremist Group’
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has officially classified the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “proven extremist group,” Anadolu Agency reported. The announcement on May 2 follows a comprehensive investigation concluding that the party pursues a far-right nationalist and extremist agenda that actively undermines Germany’s democratic constitutional order.
The BfV emphasized that the AfD’s ethnic-based definition of German identity excludes citizens with migration backgrounds, particularly from Muslim countries, denying them equal participation in society. This stance, the agency stated, is incompatible with Germany’s free democratic order.
The AfD, known for its anti-immigration platform, had been under preliminary observation since 2019 and was previously designated a “suspected extremist group” in 2021—a status upheld by German courts. That allowed intensified surveillance, including communications monitoring and informant recruitment to track links with outlawed extremist groups.
AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla condemned the classification as a “severe blow to German democracy” and pledged to legally challenge the decision, noting the intelligence agency’s leadership vacuum and the non-binding nature of the ruling.
Previously, the BfV had labeled the AfD’s regional branches in Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt as extremist. The new designation extends to the entire party, increasing security monitoring amid rising domestic polarization.
The announcement coincides with the AfD reaching 26% in recent polls, becoming Germany’s leading party amid growing public concerns over migration and economic uncertainty. Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz’s CDU/CSU trails at 24%, while the SPD has dropped to 14%.
