German Intelligence Flags 28,000 AfD Members as Potential Extremists, Up 40%
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 30
German Intelligence Flags 28,000 AfD Members as Potential Extremists, Up 40%
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 30
Summary
28,000 AfD members were classified as potential right-wing extremists in 2025, up from 20,000 a year earlier and equal to about 40% of the party's 70,000 members.
The BfV said the party showed no sign of moderating positions under scrutiny, including an ethnic ancestry-based definition of the German people that courts have found incompatible with Germany's constitution.
The report pointed to remarks by Thuringia leader Bjoern Hoecke and said liberal-conservative voices were scarcely visible in public, describing an ongoing "ideological homogenisation" inside the party.
AfD rejected the assessment as politically motivated, even as it leads Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives in national polls and could win power for the first time in Saxony-Anhalt's September election.
Germany's intelligence service said right-wing extremism remains the country's biggest democratic threat, with younger recruits, stronger online networks and a growing shift toward violence adding to concern.
How are fitness and music scenes becoming gateways for recruiting young Germans into far-right extremism?
With the AfD's popularity surging, can Germany’s democratic defenses legally stop the party from gaining power?
40% Spike in Far-Right Extremism: AfD, Reichsbürger, and Germany’s Fight to Defend Democracy
Overview
As of mid-2026, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is navigating a challenging political environment, marked by strong public engagement and growing scrutiny over its commitment to democracy. The party positions itself as an anti-establishment voice, claiming to represent ordinary people and criticizing other parties for nepotism, which it believes helps expand its influence across Germany. Despite controversies, the AfD continues to mobilize supporters and maintain a visible presence, especially at public events. However, concerns about its long-term intentions and impact on German democracy have led to high-level discussions among officials, reflecting the ongoing tension between political freedom and protecting democratic values.