Germany's AfD Classified Extremist, Faces Increased Surveillance

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the entire Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as 'extremist', granting authorities greater surveillance powers over the nation's largest opposition party. The decision follows a comprehensive review citing the AfD's xenophobic and ethnicity-based positions, which officials argue are incompatible with the country's democratic order and constitutional values. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the BfV agency highlighted that the party's rhetoric discriminates against immigrants and other population groups, treating them as second-class citizens. Although the AfD has achieved significant electoral success and maintains strong support, it remains excluded from government coalitions due to its far-right stances. The new designation does not dissolve the party but enables expanded monitoring, such as intercepting communications or using informants, to address perceived threats to democracy. This marks the first time the entire AfD has been labeled extremist, a move expected to shape political discourse and law enforcement approaches in Germany.