US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized a decision by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency to classify the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an extremist organization, citing it as “tyranny in disguise”. The move grants authorities increased oversight and surveillance over the AfD.
Rubio stated that the true extremism lies in the establishment’s open border immigration policies, which the AfD opposes. He argued that this decision undermines democracy, giving spy agencies more power to surveil opposition parties.
The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution conducted a three-year investigation into the AfD and concluded that it had violated core constitutional principles, including human dignity and the rule of law. However, the official account for the German Foreign Office countered that this decision is part of a thorough investigation to protect the Constitution and that an independent court will ultimately decide on the matter.
High-profile figures such as former US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have expressed support for the AfD party, with some inviting its leaders to attend high-level events.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/02/marco-rubio-germany-afd-00324283