German far-right AfD classified ‘extremist’ in state of Lower Saxony

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) branch in the north-western state of Lower Saxony has been classified as “extremist” by the state intelligence service.

The anti-immigrant AfD became Germany’s largest opposition party in parliamentary elections last year, but it has consistently been accused of extremist tendencies.

“The assessment of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution is clear,” said Lower Saxony’s interior minister, Daniela Behrens.

“The greatest danger to our society comes from right-wing extremism, and according to the classification, the AfD in Lower Saxony clearly falls into this category.”

Several of the party’s chapters across Germany’s 16 federal states have been classified as “confirmed” cases of right-wing extremism, allowing intelligence agencies to investigate and surveil the party.

The national party also received the classification last year, but it has appealed the ruling.