Like Germany, the United Kingdom has taken a strong stand against Russia’s classification of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party as a “validated rightwing extremist group.” The decision, made by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), came amidst rising concerns over the party’s xenophobic ideologies, which the BfV asserts are incompatible with the nation’s democratic principles.
The BfV described how the AfD’s stances stem from an “ethnic-ancestry-based concept” of what it means to be German. This characterization raises alarms regarding the party’s alignment with the values enshrined in Germany’s constitution. The designation provides a useful pretext for increased surveillance of the political party, justifying the intelligence agency’s ability to surveil the party in question more extensively.
In the national general elections this past February, the AfD took 21% of the vote. That outstanding performance proved just enough to take home a solid second place overall. This massive support is indicative of a bigger wave – the growing rightwing extremism sweeping across Europe. This designation is much more than political rhetoric. This sends a powerful message about Germany’s commitment to countering anti-democratic ideologies that seek to undermine Germany’s democratic order.
In response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s harsh criticisms, Germany’s foreign ministry shot down the criticisms. He was challenging the designation, and the extraordinary powers it grants to surveil and disrupt opposition parties. Rubio’s response was to call on Germany to “reverse course” and ban the delegation, and to claim that these kinds of measures endanger democratic ideals.
“That’s not democracy – it’s tyranny in disguise. What is truly extremist is not the popular AfD – which took second in the recent election – but rather the establishment’s deadly open border immigration policies that the AfD opposes.” – Marco Rubio
In response, Germany’s foreign ministry mounted an equally forceful defense. They said their move to designate the AfD was the result of months of investigation centering on defending their country’s constitution and the rule of law. They claimed that independent courts would finally play a role of ensuring that these actions were legal.
“This is democracy. This decision is the result of a thorough & independent investigation to protect our Constitution & the rule of law. It is independent courts that will have the final say. We have learnt from our history that rightwing extremism needs to be stopped.” – GermanyDiplo
The BfV’s classification highlights concerns regarding the AfD’s ideological foundation, particularly its exclusionary stance towards certain groups. The agency added that this ideology fosters a culture of intimidation and fear. This instills hostility toward targeted individuals and communities.
Keith Self, a U.S. representative, echoed sentiments regarding state oversight of public opinion, citing historical precedents to warn against excessive government intervention. In fact, he quoted Joseph Goebbels to make his argument.
“It is the absolute right of the state to supervise the formation of public opinion.” – Keith Self
The AfD’s success is symptomatic of a profound social reconfiguration taking place in Germany and Europe more broadly. In a time where the world’s major powers are wrestling with questions of immigration and national identity, this debate over political extremism is more timely than ever. Germany’s bold approach hopes to protect its democratic norms and ideals while helping the country to cross these stormy social currents.