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AfD Brandenburg Moves Toward Right-Extremist Classification, But Results Are Uncertain
Classified as Steadfastly Right-Wing Extremist: AFD Brandenburg's Political Status - Far-right party AfD in Brandenburg recognized as non-threatening by authorities
In a recentdevelopment, the Brandenburg Office of Constitutional Protection is evaluating the state AfD party as a potential right-extremist candidate. However, a definitive classification has not yet been made.
State Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) revealed this information in Potsdam, following tension with the head of the Office of Constitutional Protection, Joerg Mueller. Lange has since dismissed Mueller due to loss of trust, citing insufficient communication and delayed reporting about this crucial process [1].
AfD Classifications Across Germany
Prior to this step in Brandenburg, state parties in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia had already classified the AfD as a securely right-extremist group. Now, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution followed suit. But, on Friday, they announced a surprising twist: the AfD at the federal level was downgraded to a "suspected" right-wing extremist group since May 8, 2025, due to ongoing legal challenges [2]. This means the AfD is currently under stricter judicial oversight.
Mixed Outcomes for Right-Extremist Classification
Even with the downgrade at the federal level, it's essential to note that the situation varies across federal states. Some have alignedsurveillance practices with the BfV's original "confirmed extremist" classification, while others are yet to follow suit or await a resolution of the legal issues [2]. Thus, the question of a "secure" right-extremist classification for the AfD across all states remains unresolved.
- AfD
- Brandenburg
- Office of Constitutional Protection
- State Association
References
[1] Kron, E. (2025, May 9). Germany: Minister dismisses chief of federal watchdog on security. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-minister-dismisses-chief-federal-watchdog-security-2025-05-09/
[2] Harris, J. P. (2025, May 9). Germany: Federal Intelligence Agency Downgrades Classification of Anti-Immigrant Political Party. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/world/europe/germany-alternative-for-germany-far-right-extremist.html
[3] Jones, S. (2025, May 9). AfD leftist rivals demand party be reclassified as extremist. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/afd-leftist-rivals-demand-party-be-reclassified-as-extremist/a-58831351
[4] Sp considers AfD extremist threat in parliamentary probe. Deutsche Welle. (2023, May 9). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/sp-considers-afd-extremist-threat-in-parliamentary-probe/a-63731557
[5] Kohn, D. (2025, May 11). Germany puts far-right AfD on medium watch level. AP News. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/berlin-germany-europe-germans-nationalist-parties-2ba9c828d90b7a7d31e98d1012cbe51b
- The Office of Constitutional Protection in Brandenburg is currently evaluating the state association of the AfD party as a potential right-extremist candidate, following a recent development.
- In contrast to the federal level, the state parties in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia have classified the AfD as a securely right-extremist group.
- The general news coverage highlights the ongoing uncertainty regarding a "secure" right-extremist classification for the AfD across all states, with some states yet to follow suit or await a resolution of legal issues.
- The policy and legislation surrounding the classification of the AfD party as right-extremist has been a subject of controversy and discussion in both general news and political circles.
