Germany has responded to the criticism from the United States regarding its classification of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party as a “confirmed rightwing extremist group.” The German foreign ministry’s remarks were in response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments on X, where he condemned Germany’s actions, labeling them as undemocratic. Rubio tweeted, “Germany just empowered its intelligence agency to monitor the opposition. That’s not democracy; it’s tyranny in disguise.” What is genuinely extremist is not the popular AfD, which secured second place in the recent election, but instead the establishment’s perilous open border immigration policies that the AfD stands against. Germany ought to change its direction. Germany asserted that it is merely upholding its Constitution, maintaining that it has remained true to democratic principles. The ministry stated on X, “This is democracy.” This choice comes after a comprehensive and impartial investigation aimed at safeguarding our Constitution and maintaining the rule of law. “Ultimately, it will be the independent courts that determine the outcome.” History has taught us that it is crucial to combat rightwing extremism. Following the recent announcement, Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a “confirmed rightwing extremist” group. This new classification escalates from their earlier label, which considered the anti-immigrant, pro-Kremlin party as a “suspected” danger to the democratic framework of the country.
