German court rules for intel agency against far-right party
A court has ruled that Germany’s domestic intelligence agency can designate the Alternative for Germany party as a suspected case of extremism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A court ruled Tuesday that Germany's domestic intelligence agency can designate the Alternative for Germany party as a suspected case of extremism, rejecting a suit by the far-right opposition party.
The administrative court in Cologne delivered its ruling in a long-running dispute between Alternative for Germany, or AfD, five months after a national election in which the party secured a reduced but still solid 10.3% of the vote.
The court found that there were sufficient indications of anti-constitutional aspirations inside the party, news agency dpa reported. Judges found that AfD's hard-right faction, known as The Wing, has officially been dissolved but prominent figures continue to exert significant influence.
AfD, which was formed in 2013, has moved steadily to the right over the years. Its platform initially centered on opposition to bailouts for struggling eurozone members.
But it was its vehement opposition to then Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to allow in large numbers of refugees and other migrants in 2015 that established it as a significant political force. It entered the national parliament in 2017. More recently, AfD has portrayed itself as a champion of resistance to coronavirus restrictions.
In January, co-leader Joerg Meuthen left AfD, complaining that large parts of the party have chosen an “increasingly radical” course. He was considered one of its few relative moderates.
AfD leader Tino Chrupalla said the party was “surprised” by Tuesday's verdict and will now consider whether to appeal. He said it disagrees with the ruling and will continue to push for “alternative politics” in Germany's national and state parliaments.