Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an extremist party, allowing for enhanced surveillance measures and sparking debates on potentially banning the party. AfD's ideology is criticized for promoting ethnic discrimination, contradicting the German Constitution, and its leaders have made controversial statements trivializing historical events like the Holocaust. The agency's classification is grounded in a comprehensive 1,100-page report assessing the party's threat to democracy, reminiscent of efforts to prevent extremist takeovers akin to the Nazi regime. Despite the extremist label, the AfD has garnered significant support, even receiving an endorsement from Elon Musk, and remains a popular party in Germany. As Friedrich Merz is set to become chancellor, the ongoing discourse on banning the AfD continues amidst their increasing popularity and discontent with the current coalition government.

The German domestic intelligence service has classified the AfD as an extremist party, which enables the use of more powerful surveillance tools and could lead to legal proceedings for banning the party.

The AfD's advocacy for an ethnic concept discriminates against population groups and treats citizens with migrant backgrounds as second-class Germans, which violates the Constitution, as stated by Germany's departing interior minister.

The classification decision is based on a detailed 1,100-page report by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, an agency established to prevent extremist threats to democracy similar to the Nazi takeover in 1933.

The AfD, despite being labeled extremist, has significant public support and has been endorsed by figures like Elon Musk, reflecting its position as one of the most popular parties in Germany.

Key figures in the AfD have made inflammatory remarks about historical events, minimized the Holocaust, and the party's members have been linked to plots against the state, yet they dismiss the extremist classification as a political attack.

The classification of the party's youth wing as extremist in 2023 and its subsequent disbandment highlights ongoing scrutiny over the party's activities and rhetoric.

The debate on banning the AfD persists, as polls show growing support for the party due to dissatisfaction with the current coalition government led by Friedrich Merz and concerns over global issues.