On Monday, a ruling from judges in Muenster affirmed Germany’s domestic intelligence agency’s authority to continue monitoring the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a suspected case of extremism posing a potential threat to democracy. The AfD had contested the BfV agency’s decision to classify the party, along with its youth organization and a disbanded radical faction known as the “Wing,” as suspected extremist entities.
The court in Muenster upheld a previous ruling by a lower court in Cologne, concurring that there was sufficient evidence of anti-constitutional activities to warrant heightened surveillance. The judges emphasized their conviction that the AfD’s actions were aimed against the human dignity of specific groups and the fundamental principles of democracy.
Designating the AfD as extremist allows authorities to employ measures such as phone tapping and informant usage to monitor potential unlawful conduct. Although the court did not permit the AfD to appeal, the party intends to challenge this decision at the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig.
Reacting to the ruling, Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted that it demonstrated Germany’s resilient democracy, safeguarded against internal threats. Despite recent controversies, the AfD remains the second-largest political force in Germany, though its support has waned in anticipation of upcoming European Parliament elections. While polling suggests the AfD maintains prominence in its eastern German stronghold, it faces challenges forming coalition governments due to the reluctance of other parties to align with it.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser welcomed the court’s decision, affirming that the decision was a result of the BfV intelligence agency’s “clear legal mandate to take action against extremism and protect our democracy.”