Brandenburg Intelligence Delays AfD Extremism Classification Over Election Concerns

The Brandenburg Verfassungsschutz postponed labeling the AfD as 'proven extremist' to avoid influencing Germany's upcoming federal election.

The Brandenburg Verfassungsschutz intended to classify the AfD's state branch as 'proven extremist' in November 2024 but delayed the announcement due to the recently called federal election.
Officials reportedly feared that releasing the classification could be perceived as political interference during the election period.
The AfD in Brandenburg is currently categorized as a 'suspected extremist organization,' with ongoing legal challenges against this status since 2021.
Other German states, including Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, have already classified their AfD branches as 'proven extremist.'
The AfD's Brandenburg leader, René Springer, criticized the Verfassungsschutz, alleging the classification process is politically motivated and aimed at suppressing opposition.