Far-right party, AfD, asserted "eliminationist agenda" in discussions about classification. - Far-right political party, AfD, demonstrates determination to dismantle when categorized accordingly
In the midst of political unrest, the Brandenburg state constitutional protection office has labeled the AfD (Alternative for Germany) presence in the state as a right-wing extremist group. This designation has stirred up controversy and division within Brandenburg, while catching national and international attention[2].
Under the Scanner: Reasons for the Classification
The distinguished assessment is based on the AfD's rhetoric, policies, and behavior that allegedly contradict Germany's democratic order. Key factors include:
- The Ethnic Blueprint: Brandenburg authorities, along with the federal BfV, find the AfD promoting a pervasive view of German society that prioritizes ethnicity and ancestry, a stance that is deemed incompatible with democratic principles by excluding and devaluing certain population groups with migrant backgrounds from predominantly Muslim countries[1][4].
- Marginalization of Minorities: The party's hardline anti-immigration and anti-Muslim stance is seen as an attempt to systematically sideline and deny equal opportunities to participate in society for these groups[1][4].
- Undermining Democratic Order: Authorities argue that the AfD's overall objective is to undermine Germany's free, democratic order by fueling division and sparking unfounded fears and animosity toward minorities[3][4].
- Regional Branches' Extremist Tendencies: The Brandenburg designation follows similar designations for other regional branches, such as in Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, and highlights concerns that these tendencies are now extensive enough to warrant elevated surveillance and judicial oversight at the state level[2][4].
Recent Legal and Political Developments
- Legal Actions and the "Standstill Pledge": At the federal level, the AfD is legally challenging the "proven extremist" label, causing the federal BfV to promise not to use the label publicly until a court decision. However, this "standstill pledge" has no direct impact on state-level classifications like in Brandenburg[1].
- Divided Opinions and Public Support: The AfD and its supporters reject the extremist label, citing it as politically motivated and anti-democratic[2]. In spite—or maybe because—of these disputes, the party has gained remarkable national support, polling at around 26%[4].
At a Glance: AfD Classification in Brandenburg
| Category | Status in Brandenburg | Primary Justification ||--------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|| Classification | Right-wing extremist group | Ethnically defined society; excluding minorities || Surveillance Level | Enhanced (potential for wiretaps, infiltration) | Extremist classification || Legal Dispute | Ongoing (federal level, with limited state impact) | AfD's federal lawsuit, "standstill pledge" applied |
- The Brandenburg state's constitutional protection office has concluded that the AfD's presence in the state represents a right-wing extremist group, a classification that has sparked widespread debate and attention.
- The decision is primarily based on the AfD's rhetoric, policies, and behavior that contradict Germany's democratic order, with the ethnic blueprint and marginalization of minorities being key factors.
- According to authorities, the AfD promotes an ethnically driven view of German society and seeks to systematically sideline certain population groups, particularly those with migrant backgrounds from predominantly Muslim countries.
- The Brandenburg classification follows similar designations for regional branches in Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and highlights concerns about growing extremist tendencies.
- Despite the legal challenge initiated by the AfD and the ongoing dispute, the party has gained significant national support, polling at around 26%, and maintains a high surveillance level in Brandenburg, with potential for wiretaps and infiltration.
