The declaration released by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) on the 2nd day shocked Germany and even Europe and America! In the declaration, BfV officially identified the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has risen to first place in recent polls, as a "clearly far-right organization" ("gesichert rechtsextremistisch"). This has reignited the debate about banning the party. The United States criticized this move by the German government as "tyranny," stating that Germans are building a new Berlin Wall.

Weidler expressed dissatisfaction with the determination

A Report Spanning 1100 Pages

BfV is one of the three intelligence agencies under the German Ministry of the Interior, responsible for domestic intelligence. BfV stated on the same day that this determination was made after an "in-depth and comprehensive" review. "The entire AfD party has an extremist nature and disregards human dignity." The racial and bloodline-based concept of people prevalent within the party is incompatible with the liberal democratic order.

This means that in the future, BfV can comprehensively monitor the actions of this party and take action when necessary. So far, only the state offices for the protection of the constitution in Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt have identified AfD as a "far-right party." Nationwide, AfD is only considered a suspected case of far-right extremism.

Related reports from German media

The outgoing German Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, pointed out in a statement that AfD is launching a campaign against democratic order. BfV's determination is entirely based on a report spanning 1100 pages, "without any political influence or intervention."

BfV's report also injected new momentum into the debate in the German Bundestag regarding the possible "party ban" for AfD. Especially the Social Democratic Party, Green Party, and Left Party support this proposal. However, Chancellor Scholz warned that the ban process might fail. Markus Söder, chairman of the CSU, as well as Friedrich Merz, who will be the new chancellor, and his leadership of the CDU also expressed caution.

German Minister of the Interior

"Clearly Politically Motivated"

Despite Minister of the Interior Faeser emphasizing that the determination process was "not politically influenced," AfD criticized this move as a crackdown on the largest opposition party in Germany. AfD co-chairpersons Alice Weidler and Tino Chrupalla strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with BfV's decision, criticizing it as a "major blow to democracy," and insisted that the decision was "clearly politically motivated," stating they would file a lawsuit.

Anton Baron, an AfD state MP from Baden-Württemberg, said he felt "very sad" seeing how other parties treated his party. He said, "When an old-established party begins to use the most controversial means to attack the strongest opposition party, it makes one feel that the state of democracy in our country is truly heart-wrenching."

AfD also issued a 48-page warning letter to defend itself against BfV's classification as confirmed far-right extremists. The warning complained that BfV provided no evidence to support its decision in its notification. This decision was made shortly before the government change and affected the pre-election phase of upcoming local and state elections.

The soon-to-be-governing black-red coalition

US and Russia Criticize Together

Regarding this determination by the German government department, the EU and its member states have yet to comment. Instead, the United States and Russia publicly criticized the German government.

US Vice President JD Vance commented on BfV classifying AfD as an absolute "far-right organization." He wrote on X: "AfD is the most popular party in Germany and also the party that best represents the eastern regions." He added: "Now bureaucrats are trying to destroy them." Vance compared this to the Berlin Wall. He wrote: "Western countries jointly tore down the Berlin Wall. But the Berlin Wall has been rebuilt—not by the Soviets or Russians, but by German authorities.

US Secretary of State Rubio criticizes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Germany of practicing "tyranny" ("Tyrannei"). Rubio wrote on X that Germany has just granted its intelligence agency new powers to monitor opponents. "This is not democracy, but covert tyranny." The US Secretary of State wrote that true extremism is not AfD but the lethal open-border policy rejected by the party. "Germany should change its course."

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also publicly criticized AfD being classified as a clearly extreme right-wing organization. He wrote in English on X: These are strong words directed at parties represented in parliament. This current vice-chairman of the Russian Security Council wrote: "Obviously, the CDU/CSU, SPD, and other small German parties believe that any party with higher poll support than theirs is extremist."

Former Russian President Medvedev supports the point of contention

First Place in Polls

AfD has been embroiled in controversy in recent years, with some of its members degrading Nazi history as "bird droppings," claiming Hitler "had to" invade Poland, and rumors of plans involving the expulsion of millions. AfD has also repeatedly taken pro-Russian stances, causing dissatisfaction among the Green Party. Before the federal parliamentary election in February, billionaire Elon Musk even publicly expressed support for AfD, calling it the "only party that can save Germany."

Nevertheless, due to its advocacy of prioritizing German interests, pragmatic policies, especially restrictions on refugees and anti-EU policies, its popularity has continued to rise. In the February federal parliamentary election, AfD received 20.8% of the votes, second only to the Union Party (CDU/CSU) with 28.6%.

Alternative for Germany leads in polls

Recent polls from multiple institutions such as Forsa show that AfD even leads with 26% support, surpassing the Union Party (24%). That is, AfD has become the leading party in German polls. If this trend continues, AfD is expected to win in various state elections and govern state governments, and succeed in the next federal election. Weidler could potentially become the second female chancellor after Merkel.

AfD's success is increasingly worrying traditional major parties. Observers believe that although BfV considers AfD a "clearly far-right organization," its arguments lack persuasiveness, which may backfire and push AfD to gain more supporters. Traditional major parties in Germany should reflect on their own problems instead of suppressing emerging parties. This indicates that Germany will face significant tests in domestic and foreign affairs over the next four years.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500010207058068006/

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