Hannover. The AfD party in Lower Saxony has become the first state association in western Germany to be classified as a right-wing extremist group by the state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The party, which had been listed as a suspected case by the intelligence service in Hanover for four years, will now be considered an “object of significant importance,” according to Lower Saxony’s Interior Minister Daniela Behrens on Tuesday.
“The greatest danger to our society comes from right-wing extremism, and the AfD Lower Saxony clearly falls into this category after the classification,” said the SPD politician.
200-Page Report
According to reports, the President of the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Dirk Pejril, informed Interior Minister Behrens in November that an upgrade from a suspected case to an object of observation was warranted. Behrens signed the approximately 200-page report, classified as “Confidential,” on February 10. The designation “VS – for official use only” means the basis for the decision will not be published. On Tuesday, the Interior Minister then informed the state cabinet of the step.
The AfD state chairman Ansgar Schledde called the upgrade an “outrageous decision” and announced that the AfD would challenge it in court. The lawsuit was filed with the Hanover Administrative Court on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson.
AfD Files Lawsuit
Schledde said it was “obvious” that “political calculation” was behind the classification. “The Office for the Protection of the Constitution, as a subordinate department of the Interior Ministry, is being instrumentalized by the SPD minister.” He claimed it was about harming the political opponent. “We strongly reject any accusations made here.” The AfD maintains it is on solid constitutional ground.
Representatives from the SPD, CDU and Greens in the Lower Saxony state parliament welcomed the upgrade of the AfD. “They attack our freedom and our fellow human beings,” said SPD parliamentary group leader Stefan Politze. Sebastian Lechner, chairman of the CDU parliamentary group, said: “There have been justified doubts for years that the AfD is on the ground of our free democratic basic order.” Evrin Camuz of the Greens said the upgrade showed “that right-wing extremist thinking and acting have become entrenched in the Lower Saxony AfD.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What has happened to the AfD in Lower Saxony?
The AfD in Lower Saxony has been classified as a right-wing extremist group by the state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution, making it the first state association in western Germany to receive this designation.
What are the implications of this classification?
The classification means the AfD will be considered an “object of significant importance” and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution will have additional powers to monitor the party. It may also have consequences for individuals involved with the AfD, particularly public servants.
How has the AfD responded to the classification?
The AfD state chairman Ansgar Schledde called the upgrade an “outrageous decision” and announced that the AfD would challenge it in court. A lawsuit has been filed with the Hanover Administrative Court.
As the AfD challenges this designation, what impact might this have on the political landscape in Lower Saxony?
