AfD Loses Bundestag Member Following Right-Wing Extremist Classification

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has lost its first Bundestag member after the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) classified the party as a “securely right-wing extremist” entity. Sieghard Knodel, an AfD representative from Baden-Württemberg, resigned from both the party and its parliamentary group, citing concerns for his “private and professional environment.” This marks a significant political shift as the AfD faces increased scrutiny following the BfV’s decision¹.

Political and Legal Fallout

The AfD’s classification as a right-wing extremist organization has triggered debates about potential legal consequences, including restrictions on party activities and public service bans for members. The party has announced plans to challenge the BfV’s assessment in court, arguing that the decision lacks substantive evidence⁵. Meanwhile, political reactions have been mixed. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil called for the AfD’s “political isolation,” while CDU leader Friedrich Merz avoided endorsing an outright ban³.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) clarified that the classification does not automatically lead to a ban, noting the “high constitutional hurdles” required for such measures⁴. Despite the controversy, recent polls indicate that the AfD’s voter support remains stable, suggesting that the classification has not yet significantly impacted public opinion².

Expert Opinions and Criticism

Legal experts have questioned the BfV’s rationale for the classification. Constitutional law scholar Dietrich Murswiek dismissed the claim that the AfD promotes an “ethnic-exclusionary ideology,” calling it unsubstantiated⁶. Media lawyer Joachim Steinhöfel went further, alleging that the decision was politically motivated due to the AfD’s rising popularity in polls⁷.

The AfD’s parliamentary group has now shrunk from 152 to 151 members, though this still represents a near-doubling of its previous seat count. Observers note that further resignations could follow if legal challenges fail to overturn the BfV’s classification¹.

Future Implications

The classification raises questions about the AfD’s long-term viability as a political force. While immediate legal repercussions remain uncertain, the party may face increased difficulty in recruiting candidates and securing funding. The BfV’s decision also sets a precedent for how Germany handles political groups deemed extremist by state authorities⁵.

For now, the AfD remains a significant presence in the Bundestag, but its future trajectory will depend on both legal outcomes and public perception in the coming months.