Overview

• Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has classified Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) as an extremist organization, citing its ideology as incompatible with democratic principles.
• The decision follows a three-year investigation into AfD's rhetoric, which was found to promote xenophobic, anti-Islamic, and anti-minority views, violating constitutional protections for human dignity.
• This is the first time the entire AfD party, not just its youth wing or regional branches, has been designated as extremist, enabling enhanced surveillance measures including informants and communication monitoring.
• While the classification does not automatically lead to a ban, it has intensified calls for legal and parliamentary action, though such a move would require approval from Germany's Constitutional Court.
• AfD leaders, including Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, have condemned the decision as politically motivated and announced plans for legal challenges, while international figures and domestic politicians remain divided on the implications.