The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) is currently barred from officially classifying the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as “confirmed right-wing extremist.” This follows a ruling by the Administrative Court of Cologne on February 26, 2026.
Court Decision Halts Extremist Designation
The court determined that the BfV must await the outcome of the main proceedings before enacting or publicizing such a classification. The AfD initiated legal action against the BfV’s previous assessment. Even as the court acknowledged sufficient evidence of efforts within the AfD that oppose the free democratic basic order, it found this did not equate to a fundamentally anti-constitutional tendency.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel characterized the ruling as a “major victory” not only for her party but also for democracy and the rule of law. The decision is subject to appeal at the Higher Administrative Court for North Rhine-Westphalia in Münster.
Implications of the Ruling
The BfV had classified the AfD as “confirmed right-wing extremist” after a multi-year review, asserting that suspicions of efforts against the free democratic basic order had been substantiated. This ruling temporarily halts those actions. The court’s decision does not preclude a future classification, pending the outcome of the main proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Administrative Court of Cologne decide?
The Administrative Court of Cologne decided that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution must wait for the outcome of the main proceedings before classifying the AfD as “confirmed right-wing extremist.”
What is the AfD’s response to the ruling?
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, called the ruling a “major victory” for the party, democracy, and the rule of law.
Can the BfV still classify the AfD as extremist in the future?
Yes, the BfV can still classify the AfD as extremist, but only after the main proceedings have concluded and a final decision has been reached.
As the case moves to the Higher Administrative Court, what impact will this interim decision have on the political landscape in Germany?
