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3w ago

AfD Challenges 'Extremist' Label in Court as German States Weigh Civil Service Bans

The far-right party filed a lawsuit against its classification by Germany's intelligence agency, while debates intensify over public service restrictions and party funding.

Parliamentary group leader of Christian Social Union party (CSU) Alexander Dobrindt speaks to the media on the day of coalition talks between Christian Democratic Union party (CDU) and Social Democratic party (SPD), in Berlin, Germany March 28, 2025. REUTERS/Christian Mang/File Photo
Supporters of the Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) party wear morph suits and wave flags during an event to rally support for Sunday's European Parliament elections at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin May 23, 2014. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
Supporters of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) wave flags as they take part in an AfD campaign rally in Hohenschoenhausen, Berlin, Germany, February 22, 2025. REUTERS/Christian Mang/File Photo
Police protect the participants of the AFD rally for the upcoming election in Oberbilk market in Duesseldorf, Germany, on February 15, 2025, as hundreds of counter-protesters protest against AFD (Photo by Ying Tang/NurPhoto via Getty Images).

Overview

  • The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a right-wing extremist organization, enabling expanded surveillance measures such as informants and wiretapping.
  • The AfD filed a lawsuit on May 5, 2025, contesting the extremist designation, arguing it constitutes political discrimination.
  • States like Hesse and Bavaria are examining bans on AfD members serving as police officers or civil servants, citing the need to uphold democratic principles in public service.
  • Incoming Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt expressed skepticism over the feasibility of an outright party ban, citing high constitutional hurdles requiring proof of combative actions against democracy.
  • SPD leader Lars Klingbeil and Dobrindt emphasized addressing the root causes of AfD's popularity, with Klingbeil advocating governance and issue-focused strategies over legal prohibitions.