German far-right AfD classified 'extremist' in state of Lower Saxony
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) branch in the north-western state of Lower Saxony has been classified as "extremist" by the state intelligence service.The anti-immigrant AfD became Germany's largest opposition party in parliamentary elections last year, but it has consistently been accused of extremist tendencies."The assessment of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is clear," Lower Saxony's interior minister, Daniela Behrens, said on Tuesday."The greatest danger to our society comes from right-wing extremism, and according to the classification, the AfD in Lower Saxony clearly falls into this category."Several of the party's chapters across Germany's 16 federal states have been classified as "confirmed" cases of right-wing extremism, allowing intelligence agencies to investigate and monitor the party.The national party also received the classification last year, but it has appealed the ruling. While the AfD finished second in last year's parliamentary election, other parties continue to rule out working with it, a policy known in Germany as the "firewall."The Lower Saxony interior ministry said right-wing extremist ideology is prevalent within the party. "Anti-constitutional statements and behaviour, often expressed in aggressive and confrontational language, characterize the party," it said.The AfD is dominated by a fundamental tendency to reject Germany's free, democratic constitutional order, the ministry added.Last year, the state intelligence agency reported that the number of right-wing extremists in the Lower Saxony branch had risen from around 600 to 850 members in 2024, out of a total of 8,000 members.Lower Saxony's next election is to be held in 2027. A November poll showed the AfD on 20%, well ahead of the 11% vote share it received in the last state election in 2022.The AfD is expected to see record support in five state elections this year, with the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg first to head to the polls on March 8.In September, the party could even win an absolute majority in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, enabling it to lead a state government for the first time.Daniela Behrens, Minister of the Interior of Lower Saxony, speaks at a press conference at the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior in Hanover. The state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the AfD’s state association as confirmed right-wing extremist. Julian Stratenschulte/dpaDaniela Behrens, Minister of the Interior of Lower Saxony, speaks at a press conference at the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior in Hanover. The state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the AfD’s state association as confirmed right-wing extremist. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
