Germany’s Foreign Office has defended its decision to classify the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) as a right-wing extremist party in response to sharp criticism from U.S. officials. The German government reaffirmed that its stance was rooted in the lessons learned from the country’s past, emphasizing the need for firm action against extremism.

In a strong condemnation, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance accused German officials of metaphorically “rebuilding the Berlin Wall,” a comment aimed at the government’s approach to political opposition. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in, calling the classification of the AfD a form of “tyranny disguised as law.”

Germany’s Response to U.S. Accusations

In a rare diplomatic response, Germany’s Foreign Office addressed Rubio’s remarks directly on social media platform X. The statement from the ministry asserted, “We have learned from our history that right-wing extremism needs to be stopped,” reiterating the government’s commitment to combating extremism within its borders.

Domestic Intelligence Agency Labels AfD as a Threat

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, which is tasked with monitoring threats to national security, issued the controversial designation of the AfD as extremist. The agency argued that the AfD promotes ideologies based on ethnicity and descent, which it said contradict the democratic values of Germany’s political system.

The AfD made significant strides in February’s federal elections, securing 152 out of 630 seats in the Bundestag and earning 20.8% of the vote. Prior to this, the intelligence agency had only labeled the AfD as extremist in the country’s eastern states. However, the agency now deems the entire party a national threat.

The agency specifically cited the AfD’s exclusionary policies, which it argues seek to deny equal rights to certain population groups, particularly those with roots in predominantly Muslim countries. This ideological stance, according to the agency, undermines the democratic framework of the nation.

AfD Leaders Respond: Political Motivations Behind the Move

AfD leaders, including party heads Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, have dismissed the designation as politically motivated. They argued that the decision was an attempt by the government to suppress opposition and undermine democracy.

Beatrix von Storch, the deputy leader of the AfD’s parliamentary group, echoed these sentiments in an international radio interview, comparing the move to tactics used by authoritarian regimes to silence political opponents. Her comments underscored the party’s view that the German government’s actions were an unjust attack on political freedom.

New Surveillance Powers for Intelligence Services

As part of the new classification, Germany’s intelligence services are now authorized to take expanded surveillance measures against the AfD. These measures include phone tapping and the deployment of undercover agents to monitor the party’s activities more closely.

In response to the intensifying situation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubled down on his criticism, reiterating, “That’s not democracy—it’s tyranny in disguise.” However, Germany’s Foreign Office quickly refuted the characterization, stating, “This is democracy.” The ministry emphasized that the designation of the AfD as extremist was the result of a thorough, unbiased review, and assured that the decision could be challenged legally.

Historical Context and the Berlin Wall

The German government’s position also draws on the historical context of its past. In its response to U.S. criticism, Germany’s Foreign Office reminded critics of the country’s history, specifically the rise of Nazi ideology, which shaped its commitment to preventing extremism from taking root in modern politics.

The references to the Berlin Wall, a symbol of division during the Cold War, have also gained significant attention in this ongoing debate. JD Vance, the U.S. Vice-President, had previously met with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel in Munich before the election and publicly supported the party’s stance at a European security forum. In a statement posted online, Vance criticized what he saw as German bureaucrats dismantling political opposition. “The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. And it has been rebuilt—not by Russians or Soviets, but by Germany’s elite,” Vance wrote.

Debate on Banning the AfD

The new classification of the AfD has sparked growing discussions in Germany about the potential for an outright ban on the party. This debate is intensifying ahead of a critical parliamentary vote to confirm Friedrich Merz, a conservative figure, as the new chancellor of Germany. Merz plans to form a coalition government with the Social Democrats (SPD).

SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil, who is expected to serve as vice-chancellor and finance minister in the new government, said that while the government would not act hastily, it must respond firmly to the AfD’s influence. “They aim to reshape the nation. They want to dismantle our democratic structure. We must respond with determination,” Klingbeil emphasized in a recent statement.

Germany’s decision to classify the AfD as a right-wing extremist group has ignited a fierce diplomatic and political conflict, particularly with U.S. officials. As the debate continues, Germany faces pressure both domestically and internationally. The unfolding situation will likely have long-lasting implications for the future of the AfD, the country’s political landscape, and its relationship with the United States.