German intelligence service labels local chapter of right-wing "extremist group"

The German intelligence authorities have classified a regional chapter of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a right-wing extremist group. 

As reported by Politico, this move comes as AfD has become increasingly extreme and has violated human dignity, the principle of democracy, and the rule of law. The classification of the AfD branch in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt as having "definitely extremist aspirations" is the highest threat category used by the domestic intelligence service.

Strong evidence of democratic violations by the party — including Islamophobic, anti-semitic and racist statements by elected officials — was collected by the German authorities. Being issued such a label will allow intelligence services to increase monitoring of the party branch. 

According to the publication, this decision comes as three states from the former East Germany — Thuringia, Brandenburg and Saxony — face regional elections in 2024, with support for the far-right AfD skyrocketing to between 15 percent and 35 percent in polls. Earlier this month, AfD made gains in state elections in Bavaria and Hesse, with officials close to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz concerned the right-populist party was gaining momentum.

It is the second AfD chapter to be classified as right wing-extremist after its sister branch in Thuringia in 2021.