AfD Moves to Expel Members Linked to Extremism

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to expel three members suspected of involvement with the extremist 'Saxonian Separatists', a group accused of planning violent uprisings inspired by Nazism. Following a significant police operation that led to eight arrests, including a local AfD politician, the party leaders emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards violence and extremism. The Saxonian Separatists are described as a small militant organization aiming to establish a society based on National Socialist principles and are linked to racist and anti-Semitic ideologies. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser indicated that police actions had thwarted early-stage coup plans, with evidence found of unregistered weapons and military training. The party's leadership, including co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, supports the expulsion, which is pending confirmation by the state arbitration court. This move reflects the AfD's attempt to distance itself from extremist elements amidst rising scrutiny from Germany's security services.