AfD labeled as extremist in western Germany

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been labeled to be right-wing extremistic for the first time in the western German state of Lower Saxony.

Local authorities have thus gained expanded powers to monitor the party as a potential threat to democracy. Lower Saxony has joined four eastern states where a similar classification already applies.

According to Interior Minister Daniela Behrens, intelligence analysis has shown that AfD representatives disparage democratic institutions, discriminate against people with a migrant background, and advocate the so-called remigration of millions of people. The AfD came second in the February parliamentary elections with almost 21 percent of the vote.

In May, the Federal Counterintelligence Service designated it an extremist movement, but the decision has been suspended pending a court ruling. The party continues to grow in the polls and has reached 27 percent support ahead of regional elections, even though other political entities refuse to cooperate with it.

(mja)