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Germany’s Foreign Office has defended a domestic intelligence decision to label the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party as extremist, citing historical lessons and national security concerns. The move comes amid sharp criticism from U.S. officials, who claim the action stifles political freedom.

The German Foreign Office stated that the country’s past — especially its experience with fascism and the Nazi regime — requires it to act against movements that pose a threat to democratic values. Officials stressed that the designation was based on a careful legal and intelligence review.

The classification by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) allows closer monitoring of the AfD, including phone surveillance and undercover investigations.

U.S. Politicians React Strongly to AfD Extremist Tag

The decision drew swift rebukes from top American figures. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the move “tyranny in disguise,” arguing that labeling a political party as extremist undermines democratic principles. He added that such actions resemble tactics used by authoritarian regimes, not free societies.

Vice President JD Vance also voiced concern. At the recent Munich Security Conference, he accused German authorities of silencing opposition. “This is like rebuilding the Berlin Wall — not with bricks, but with bureaucracy,” he said.

Vance has previously shown support for the AfD, and his comments suggest a growing divide between the two allies over the definition of democratic limits.

Intelligence Agency Cites Threats to Social Unity

The BfV said it acted after finding strong evidence that the AfD promotes ideas based on race and ethnicity, which go against the German Constitution. The agency stated that the party aims to exclude groups — especially those from Muslim-majority countries — from equal participation in society.

According to the BfV, this shift in ideology from the AfD is not just theoretical. The party’s actions, speeches, and policies reveal a pattern of intolerance, the agency claimed.

The extremist label, once limited to three eastern German states where the AfD has high voter support, now applies nationwide. This extension increases the scope of intelligence tools available to the government.

AfD Leaders Condemn Decision as Political Bias

AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla strongly criticized the designation, calling it a politically motivated attempt to weaken their party. “This is not about protecting democracy. It is about crushing opposition,” said Weidel in a statement.

Beatrix von Storch, deputy parliamentary leader of the AfD, said the move mirrors the behavior of authoritarian regimes. “We are seeing a dangerous shift toward repression,” she told reporters.

The AfD plans to challenge the designation in court. Party leaders say they are confident the judiciary will overturn the classification.

German Government Pushes Back Against U.S. Remarks

In a rare direct response to foreign officials, Germany’s Foreign Office replied to Rubio’s remarks via social media. “This is democracy,” the post read. It underlined that the decision was based on legal grounds and is subject to judicial review.

The Foreign Office added that Germany’s tragic history, particularly under National Socialism, demands vigilance against movements that echo extremist ideologies. “Our democracy has learned from the past. We must defend it,” the ministry wrote.

AfD Debate Grows Ahead of Key Parliamentary Vote

The timing of the AfD classification is notable. The party recently achieved its best result yet in a national vote, securing second place in February’s federal election with 20.8% of the vote and 152 seats in the Bundestag.

As tensions rise, lawmakers prepare to vote next week on installing Friedrich Merz as Germany’s next chancellor. Merz is expected to form a broad coalition, including the center-left Social Democrats (SPD).

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, poised to become vice-chancellor and finance minister, said the government will not rush into banning the AfD. “But we will look at all legal options,” he added. “They seek to dismantle our democracy, and that threat must be taken seriously.”

The classification of the AfD as extremist has opened a major political and diplomatic debate. As Germany defends its democratic system from what it sees as internal threats, it faces criticism from international allies who view the move as restrictive.

With tensions rising at home and abroad, the future of the AfD — and its role in German politics — remains uncertain.