Overview

• Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a right-wing extremist threat to democratic order.
• The AfD has filed an appeal at the Cologne Administrative Court, rejecting the extremism designation and citing freedom of expression in its defense.
• The classification grants authorities expanded surveillance powers, including the ability to monitor private communications of party officials.
• The BfV's decision is based on a confidential multi-year report citing rhetoric that allegedly undermines human dignity and democratic principles.
• The ruling has intensified domestic and international debates, with U.S. figures criticizing the move and discussions about a potential AfD ban gaining momentum.