AfD Sues German Spy Agency Over Extremist Classification

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has filed a lawsuit and emergency petition against the country's domestic intelligence agency after being officially classified as a 'right-wing extremist' organization. This designation, announced by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), enables authorities to intensify surveillance of the AfD, including the use of informants and electronic monitoring, and could pave the way for restrictions on public funding or even a potential party ban. The BfV cited the AfD's xenophobic, anti-minority, and anti-Muslim rhetoric as justification, with an internal report labeling the party racist and a threat to democratic order. AfD leaders argue the move is a politically motivated attempt to delegitimize opposition voices and criminalize criticism of immigration policy, while mainstream German parties have historically sought to sideline the far right. The classification has sparked international tensions, with prominent members of the U.S. administration criticizing Berlin's actions and German officials defending the decision as a measure to protect democracy based on thorough investigation. Despite some lawmakers discussing a possible ban, legal experts and incoming government leaders suggest the AfD is unlikely to be outlawed unless it can be proven to aggressively undermine Germany's democratic order.