Germany Labels AfD Proven Right-Wing Extremists

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a proven right-wing extremist organization, granting authorities expanded powers to surveil the party and potentially recruit informants. The agency cited AfD's ethnically exclusive ideology and anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric as incompatible with Germany's democratic constitution. This marks the first time a major opposition party, which placed second in the recent general election, has received such a designation. The move has ignited debate over a potential legal ban, with critics including U.S. Senator Marco Rubio condemning it as anti-democratic, while others warn it could increase AfD's support by fueling a narrative of victimhood. The decision has heightened both national and international scrutiny. Germany's new coalition government has pledged to maintain a strict separation from the AfD.