Germany’s AfD party is designated as far-right extremist
The party, which has attempted to appeal to Jewish voters in recent years, has been dogged with scandals around antisemitism
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been designated an extremist organisation by the country’s spy agency over claims it poses a threat to democracy and the constitutional order.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution cited the AfD’s xenophobic stances on ethnicity as the reason for the decision, which it said was discriminatory towards non-ethnic Germans.
The spy agency said it decided to give the entire party the label as there were numerous instances of the AfD trying to “undermine the free, democratic” order in Germany.
The far-right AfD had already been placed under observation for suspected extremism in Germany, and the intelligence agency had also classed it as right-wing extremist in three states in the east, where its popularity is highest.
The agency, or Verfassungschutz, said specifically that the AfD did not consider citizens of a “migration background from predominantly Muslim countries” as equal members of the German people.
The party – which came second in the general election in February, winning more than 20 percent of the vote – has previously been dogged with allegations of antisemitism.
But it has more recently attempted to positioning itself as a defender of Jewish interests and argues that rising Muslim migration — rather than the far right itself – is the threat to the community there.
The party “aims to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society”, said the BfV in a statement.
It has surged in popularity in recent years by capitalising on growing concern about migration at a time when Europe’s biggest economy has been mired in recession.
The AfD’s former leader, Alexander Gauland, sparked outrage in 2018 by downplaying the Nazi era, calling it “mere bird shit” in Germany’s thousand-year history.
Last year Björn Höcke, who led the AfD party in Thuringia, was tried for saying the words “Everything for Germany!” at a 2021 rally.
The slogan is associated with the SA stormtroopers, who played a key role in the Nazis’ rise to power.
Höcke – a former history teacher – denied knowing the phrase’s roots.
But he had previously called the Holocaust memorial in Berlin a “memorial of shame”, saying Germany should make a “180-degree turn” in its attitude to commemorating the genocide.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency is responsible for both counter-intelligence and investigating terror threats.
A change in designation of the AfD is now likely to be challenged in the courts.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
