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In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) disputes its designation as an "extremist" political party.

Germany's internal intelligence agency asserted on Friday that the ideology of Alternative for Germany (AfD) disregards and degrades various groups of the German population, potentially rendering it incompatible with the nation's democratic system.

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In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) disputes its designation as an "extremist" political party.

Rewritten Article:

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, leading the polls in some national elections, has taken a legal stance against the domestic intelligence agency's classification of them as a "verified extreme right-wing party" that poses a threat to democratic order. On May 5, the party filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court of Cologne, with a spokesperson confirming the move.

Following the announcement on Friday, the party viewed it as a "heavy blow to German democracy" and a "politically motivated decision." The party leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, declared they would "continue to defend itself legally against these democracy-endangering slanders."

The BfV deemed the AfD's ideology as " devaluing entire groups of the population in Germany and infringing on their human dignity," which is " not compatible with the fundamental democratic order." This classification grants authorities extended powers of surveillance and control, including private communications of party officials.

The lawsuit denies any accusations of " incitement to hatred against foreigners or Islamophobia," despite radically-inclined wing member accusations of proximity to the neo-Nazi scene and historical revisionism regarding the atrocities of the Third Reich. The party asserts that the criticism expressed by its members covers specific social phenomena (such as irregular migration or welfare abuses) and is protected under freedom of expression.

The decision has sparked debate on the potential ban of the AfD, a prime discussion point for Friedrich Merz's forthcoming election as chancellor. The US, too, has backed the far-right party, with Vice President J.D. Vance accusing Germany of rebuilding a "Berlin Wall" and Secretary of State Marco Rubio branding it as "disguised tyranny," calling for a reversal of the decision.

Germany publicly refuted the US Secretary of State's statements, emphasizing that the domestic intelligence agency operates independently, and its decision results from a "thorough and neutral examination."

In 2013, the AfD made a historic breakthrough in the legislative elections by coming in second with over 20% of the votes, surpassing even the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Friedrich Merz in some polls.

Enrichment Data:

  • The lawsuit coincides with conservative leader Friedrich Merz's contemplated election as chancellor and intra-party discussions about addressing the AfD's influence.
  • The BfV's decision came following a three-year investigation.
  • With expanded surveillance powers, parliament may debate cutting the AfD’s public funding, and the incoming government reportedly considers initiating a ban.
  1. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has filed a lawsuit against the domestic intelligence agency's classification of them as an extreme right-wing party, viewing the decision as a heavy blow to German democracy.
  2. Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, leaders of the AfD, have declared they will continue to defend themselves legally against the classification, denying any accusations of incitement to hatred against foreigners or Islamophobia.
  3. The BfV deemed the AfD's ideology as devaluing entire groups of the population and infringing on their human dignity, a decision that grants authorities extended powers of surveillance and control over the party's private communications.
  4. The AfD asserts that the criticism expressed by its members is protected under freedom of expression, covering specific social phenomena such as irregular migration or welfare abuses.
  5. The US, led by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has backed the AfD, accusing Germany of rebuilding a "Berlin Wall" and branding it as "disguised tyranny," calling for a reversal of the decision.
  6. The impending election of conservative leader Friedrich Merz as chancellor and intra-party discussions about addressing the AfD's influence coincide with the AfD's lawsuit, with parliament considering debating cutting the party’s public funding.
Interior Ministry deems AfD's ideology as diminishing entire segments of German populace, infringing on their human dignity, and unsuitable for the fundamental democratic structure on Friday.
The Interior Ministry on Friday asserts that the ideology of AfD diminishes specific segments of the German populace, violating their human dignity, and finds it incompatible with the democratic foundation of the country.
Intelligence agency inside Germany's federal government expressed on Friday that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's ideology denigrates significant sections of the German populace, infringes upon their human dignity, and contradicts the fundamental democratic structure.

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