Scholz warns against hasty ban on extremist AfD party

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has officially designated the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist group, citing its ethnic-based ideology and discrimination against migrants. This classification permits increased surveillance of the party, but outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other officials have cautioned against rushing to ban the AfD, stressing the need for careful legal and procedural consideration. Scholz highlighted past failed attempts to ban similar parties and warned that hasty action could backfire or face legal hurdles. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the decision to label the AfD as extremist was based on thorough investigation and was free from political influence. The AfD has strongly rejected the classification, calling it a political attack, while debates continue about the appropriate response to the party’s rising influence. Many German leaders are calling for respect, thorough deliberation, and adherence to democratic principles as the country navigates this political challenge.