U.S. Criticizes Germany for Labeling Far-Right AfD Party as Extremist
Top U.S. officials have condemned Germany's recent decision to officially classify the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organization, accusing Berlin of suppressing political opposition and undermining democracy.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), announced on May 2 that AfD meets the criteria for extremism due to its alleged attempts to "undermine the free democratic order." The designation gives German authorities expanded surveillance powers over the party, including intercepting communications and deploying undercover agents.
AfD, known for its hardline anti-immigration stance, denounced the decision as politically motivated and "a serious blow to democracy," just months after finishing second in national elections. Party leaders have vowed to take legal action to challenge the ruling.
The move sparked sharp criticism from the Trump administration. Vice President JD Vance accused the German government of "rebuilding the Berlin Wall" and praised AfD as "the most popular party in Germany." Vance, who has previously met with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, has openly supported the party’s anti-immigration platform and urged a greater role for nationalist parties in European politics.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned Berlin, calling Germany’s actions those of a “disguised authoritarian regime” and demanding the classification be reversed.
Germany's Foreign Ministry responded swiftly, defending the decision. “This is democracy,” it stated. “The designation is the result of an independent and thorough investigation to protect our constitution. History has taught us that far-right extremism must be confronted early.”
The classification has reignited debate within Germany over whether AfD should be banned entirely, particularly as center-right CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz prepares to take office as chancellor on May 6. His coalition with the center-left SPD defeated AfD in February's general election.
Lars Klingbeil, an SPD member and incoming finance minister, acknowledged that banning AfD is under consideration but stressed that no decision would be made hastily.
Founded in 2013, AfD has steadily gained support by tapping into public concerns over migration and Germany’s economic slowdown. The party won more than 20% of the vote in the February election, its strongest showing to date.
Recent polls suggest AfD is polling neck-and-neck or even slightly ahead of the CDU/CSU alliance. However, all mainstream parties in Germany have pledged not to cooperate with AfD.
AfD has also received high-profile international backing. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of President Trump, publicly endorsed the party, claiming it is the only force capable of “saving Germany.” Musk appeared via video at an AfD campaign rally and hosted a livestreamed interview with Weidel on his platform X (formerly Twitter).
On May 2, Musk said banning AfD “would be an extreme attack on democracy.”
Germany’s BfV intelligence agency said AfD seeks to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, citing the party’s refusal to recognize Muslims and immigrants from Islamic-majority countries as having equal rights with native Germans.
(Sources: AFP, BBC)
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