Exposing the Far-Right: The 1100 Pages of the AfD Investigation
- By: Jagoda Marinić
- Reading Time: Approx. 2 mins
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution Designates AfD as Extremist
Instructions on Personal Safety and Protective Measures Spanning 1100 Pages - Extensive documentation containing approximately 1100 pages
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution has declared the AfD as an extremist group, encapsulating their findings across more than 1,100 pages. However, these pages remain classified, much like Marquis de Sade's infamous manuscripts, shrouded in secrecy. Regardless, one needn't pore over the pages to recognize extremism—it's as clear as day for many of Germany's Jewish citizens, ever since Gauland's Hitler and Nazi analogy. For immigrants, foreigners, and minorities, the extremism was evident when the party suggested that SPD politician Aydan Özoguz could be discarded in Anatolia. For others, it crystallized when 'deportation tickets' mysteriously appeared in mailboxes. Now, the extremist segments of the AfD have officially coalesced into one, thus unifying the party along extremist lines—a triumph for the AfD in a country historically divided.
How Loud Must Democracy Roar?
The AfD garners a substantial 20% of the vote, yet this isn't enough to legitimize an extremist party. The mobilization may energize the AfD's members, but they remain anything but democrats, transforming the party into a perilous mass movement. Our tolerance of extremism, fueled by a denial of historical truths, has drastically delayed our response. The AfD promotes itself as a democratic alternative but offers no viable solutions to address pressing issues. Their political opponents are still bemused, while certain media outlets relish presenting the party as an alternative to established parties. As usual, the AfD appeared on television post-Office for the Protection of the Constitution verdict, brandishing themselves as victims. The stations justified this by arguing that by excluding them, they were inadvertently granting the party an opportunity to portray itself as oppressed for ratings.
The WDR's Silent Scandal
Meanwhile, the WDR—a German public broadcaster—deleted a satirical video featuring an elderly environmentalist after complaints on Facebook. Yet they continue to air Chrupalla and Weidel, alongside a campaign to defame the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. So, how loudly must the democrats shout now?
German History Demands Accountability
Although the Office for the Protection of the Constitution has made errors, such as during the NSU investigations, it now serves to guard the state and its citizens against extremist threats. Björn Höcke's vitriolic comments, where he urged Office for the Protection of the Constitution employees to seek new employment, echo the words of those who enabled injustice in history, "You hung with them, you'll hang with them too." He panders to arbitrary rule.
Unnecessary Charity for the AfD
During the last election campaign, several interviews with Alice Weidel were conducted in a seemingly soft manner, as if preparing a civilized debate circle with the AfD on the public broadcaster's airwaves. However, critical journalism must unwaveringly highlight extremism when granted a platform. Those unwilling to share a television studio with extremists or engage in ratings-driven debates are receding from public discourse. The media's focus on the AfD excludes more voices from the conversation.
Confronting Extremism, Not Erasing History
It's a common argument that since the AfD was democratically elected, we must accommodate them by forgetting German history. We do not owe them such favors; instead, we must stand against them. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution's decision presents an opportunity. Those who uphold a vigilant democracy will seize it, while the rest will pave the way for the AfD—they should question their motives for wishing to accommodate an extremist party now.
- AfD
- Office for the Protection of the Constitution
- Alice Weidel
- Aydan Özoguz
[1] Regional branches of the AfD in Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt had earlier been classified as right-wing extremist groups. Source: BBC News
- The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, especially given the recent classification of far-right political party AfD as extremist by The Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
- As the media continues to debate and analyze the AfD's position in German politics, it is essential to acknowledge their extremist nature, such as their suggestion for SPD politician Aydan Özoguz to be discarded in Anatolia.
- The AfD's push for recognition and legitimacy as a political party should not overshadow the need for critical examination of their extremist views, especially when they appear on television in the aftermath of being declared an extremist group by authorities.
- As the Office for the Protection of the Constitution works to combat extremism and safeguard the rights of citizens, it's crucial to hold public figures like Alice Weidel accountable for their actions and strong words that may incite extremist sentiments.
