Threat to democracy. Germany recognizes pro-Russian AfD party as extremist organization
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Fri, 02 May 2025 20:05:00 +0300
The AfD party of Putins friends has been recognized as an extremist organization in GermanyThe decision allows the agency to increase surveillance of the party, which came in second place in the federal election in February.The BfVs conclusion, based on a 1,100page expert report, classifies the AfD as a racist and antiMuslim force.
Intelligence agencies can now use tools such as recruiting confidential informants and intercepting communications to monitor the party.This stigma can make it difficult for parties to attract new members and jeopardize public funding.
The AfD, which is currently leading in a number of polls, has strongly condemned the decision, while political analysts warn that it could further strengthen the partys support.
The assessment focuses on the ethnic and tribal understanding of the people that shapes the AfDs ideology.
It demeans entire groups in Germanys population and violates their human dignity, the agency said in a statement.This concept is reflected in the partys overall antiimmigrant and antiMuslim stance.The agency added that the AfD lied and defamed individuals and entire groups, fueling irrational fears and hostility towards them.The intelligence decision came just days before the swearingin of Germanys new chancellor, conservative leader Friedrich Merz, and coincided with a heated debate within his party about how to deal with the AfD in the new parliament.
The party achieved a record number of seats, which theoretically gives it the right to head several key parliamentary committees.
It is possible that parliament will try to limit or completely stop state funding for the AfD.
However, to do so, the authorities would need to prove that the party is deliberately seeking to undermine or overthrow Germanys democratic system.Some AfD units, such as the youth wing, have already been deemed extremist.
The entire party was classified as a probable extremist case back in 2021.Founded in 2013 as a protest against anticrisis measures in the eurozone, the AfD later transformed into an antiimmigration party after Germany took in a large number of refugees in 2015.The Alternative for Germany AfD party is known for its proRussian stance and sympathy for Putin.
The AfD has consistently opposed antiRussian sanctions imposed by the EU.
In 2022 and 2023, party leaders, including Alice Weidel, repeatedly stated that the sanctions do more harm to the German economy than to Russia.
In the Bundestag, the AfD voted against proposals to tighten sanctions.
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