Europe
AfD officially labeled ‘proven far-right extremist organization’ by BfV

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, has officially classified the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “proven far-right extremist organization.” This decision is based on allegations that the party is engaged in activities contrary to constitutional principles and allows for more intensive surveillance. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser claimed that the AfD discriminates against citizens of foreign origin.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, announced that it has officially classified the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “proven far-right extremist organization.”
The BfV’s announcement indicates that the AfD is no longer merely under suspicion. The agency claims to have definitive evidence that the party is working against Germany’s democratic system.
According to a report by the German public broadcaster ARD, the 1000-page internal report forming the basis of the decision refers to violations of fundamental constitutional principles such as human dignity and the rule of law.
This classification marks the first time in modern German history that a party represented nationwide in parliament has been officially defined as extremist.
Some state-level AfD organizations in eastern states like Saxony and Thuringia had previously received this label.
While this step does not mean the party is banned, it allows German authorities to intensify surveillance, including the use of confidential informants and technical monitoring under judicial oversight.
The decision also raises political tensions, as established parties will face increasing pressure to refuse cooperation with the AfD at any level of government.
Furthermore, the decision could fuel calls for an official party ban, but such a step requires the approval of the constitutional court and the support of the government or parliament, which means a challenging legal and political struggle.
Outgoing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, in a separate statement, said the party was campaigning against the democratic order.
Faeser said, “The AfD represents an ethnic understanding that discriminates against all population groups and treats citizens with a migration background as second-class Germans.”
The minister added, “The party’s stances on ethnic issues are reflected in racist statements, especially towards immigrants and Muslims.”
The AfD had caused controversy when its officials described Germany’s Nazi era as “bird droppings” in the country’s history of over 1000 years.
Before the parliamentary elections in February this year, US billionaire Elon Musk had supported the AfD, saying the party was “the only party that can save Germany.”
The party came second in the elections with 20.8% of the votes, after Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance, which received 28.6%.
However, recent polls show the AfD closing the gap with German conservatives. A poll published last week by the public opinion research company Forsa showed the AfD at 26%, ahead of the CDU/CSU (24%).
Faeser stated that there was “absolutely no political influence” in the BfV agency’s findings, which were based on the 1100-page report.