Brandenburg Enlists "Will to Destroy" Against Classified AfD: Right-Wing Extremist Label Unleashes Political Storm
"AFD: Inscription as Right-Wing Extremist: Persistent Desire to Disrupt" - Far-right party AfD exhibits "determination to dismantle" in classification context
In a dramatic turn of events, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Brandenburg has taken action against the local branch of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), officially labeling it as "gesichert rechtsextremistisch" (reliably right-wing extremist). This decision was made by the Brandenburg Landesverfassungsschutz (Office for the Protection of the Constitution), following years of suspicion and scrutiny, and joins fellow states like Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia in their extreme-right extremist classification.
The action against the AfD came on April 14, 2025, but Brandenburg's Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) only learned about it a month later on May 5, criticizing the delay in communication from the Verfassungsschutz. The delay in communication has caused a stir, with Minister Lange subsequently dismissing the head of the Verfassungsschutz, Jörg Müller, due to lack of trust.
AfD members, quick to react, lambasted the decision, with Lena Kotré calling it "hanebüchen" (inane) to suggest that their party is right-wing extremist. Their SPD counterpart, Andreas Noack, retorted, "You're the wolf in sheep's clothing, you're attacking this constitution. Just because you're democratically elected doesn't make you a Democrat yet."
The fallout didn't stop there, as Wilko Möller's remark about a "Vernichtungswille" (will to destroy or annihilate) caused ripples in the political landscape. Although context for Möller's comment wasn't provided, the phrase implies extreme ideological or political hostility toward perceived irredeemable opponents, emphasizing the gravity of the matter. Some claim that this ideological hostility puts the AfD and its supporters in an existential threat category.
Ultimately, the move holds significant implications for German democracy and security, signaling increased vigilance and contested battles over right-wing extremism in Brandenburg and beyond. As the political and social landscape unfolds, it's crucial to maintain a discerning eye and discussions that prioritize democracy and social Cohesion over partisan interests.
- Key Points:
- The Brandenburg AfD was officially classified as "gesichert rechtsextremistisch" (reliably right-wing extremist). +SPD's Katrin Lange dismissed the head of the Brandenburg Verfassungsschutz due to a lack of trust and transparency. +Wilko Möller's remark about a "Vernichtungswille" highlights the perceived extreme nature of the AfD's ideology or actions.
- Key Locations:
- Brandenburg
- Potsdam ( landed for the meeting, but not specified in the classification event)
- Key Parties:
- SPD
- AfD
- Key Phrases:
- Vernichtungswille (will to destroy or annihilate)
- rechtsextremistisch (right-wing extremist)
- gefährliche Wölfe im Schafspelz
- The Brandenburg Landesverfassungsschutz designated the local AfD branch as "gesichert rechtsextremistisch" (reliably right-wing extremist), mirroring classifications in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
- Following the revelation of this move on May 5, 2025, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Katrin Lange criticized the Verfassungsschutz for not communicating the decision sooner.
- Wilko Möller's comment on a "Vernichtungswille" has created ripples in the political landscape, emphasizing the perceived extremity of the AfD's ideology or actions.
- As conversations surrounding German democracy, security, and right-wing extremism intensify across Brandenburg and other regions, it's essential that discussions prioritize democracy and social Cohesion.
- SPD members, from interior minister Katrin Lange to party counterpart Andreas Noack, have criticized the AfD, referring to them as démocrates en apprentissage (Democrats in training) despite their democratically elected status.
