Alice Weidel embodies one of the strangest contradictions in European politics.She leads a party fiercely opposed to mass immigration, yet her partner is Sri Lanka-born. She is in a same-sex relationship while leading a political movement that has championed the traditional heterosexual family. She raises children with her partner while her party has fought liberalisation of family policy. And the woman selling German nationalism has spent significant parts of her private life in Switzerland.Then there is economics. The former investment banker carries distinctly market-oriented instincts while commanding a populist movement drawing heavily from workers who feel abandoned by Germany's political and economic establishment.Welcome to the paradox of Germany's Alternative für Deutschland.Except the AfD is no longer merely an alternative.It is becoming a dominant political force.In Saxony-Anhalt, voters handed the AfD an extraordinary 43.8 per cent of the vote. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU managed just 17.2 per cent. The AfD secured 39 of the state parliament's 83 seats — short of governing alone, but comfortably the largest party.The political shockwaves have reached Berlin.Merz described himself as deeply shocked and acknowledged a devastating defeat. Former chancellor Angela Merkel has also reacted with dismay. Meanwhile, thousands have taken to German streets protesting the AfD's advance.But protests cannot erase ballots.And that presents Europe's liberal establishment with an uncomfortable democratic dilemma.If an election is free and fair, what happens when voters choose the political movement the establishment has spent years warning them against?AfD's opponents have legitimate concerns. Germany's history makes scrutiny of extremist rhetoric especially important. Its Saxony-Anhalt branch has been classified as right-wing extremist by the state's domestic intelligence authorities.But condemning a political movement is not the same thing as understanding why people vote for it.Immigration. Economic insecurity. National identity. Cultural anxiety. Anger at established politicians. Frustration with institutions voters believe no longer listen to them.These forces are not confined to Germany.Across Europe, nationalist and right-wing populist movements have moved from the political fringes towards government, parliament and increasingly the mainstream.Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump's movement speaks much of the same political language: borders, sovereignty, cultural conservatism, national pride and rebellion against an establishment accused of abandoning ordinary citizens.Yet there is a crucial difference.

America's populist Right captured one of the country's two dominant political parties. Europe's insurgent Right operates through multiple parties and political systems, often confronting coalition barriers designed to keep it away from executive power.And inevitably, Germany's history hangs over this debate.Comparisons with the interwar years must be handled carefully. Europe in 2026 is not Europe in 1933. Its constitutions, institutions and political conditions are fundamentally different, and today's right-wing movements cannot simply be labelled replicas of twentieth-century fascism.But history offers warnings rather than photocopies.Economic anxiety, resentment towards political elites, arguments over national identity, hostility towards outsiders and the conviction that existing institutions no longer represent ordinary citizens all existed in Europe's darkest political periods.That does not mean history is repeating itself.It means politicians would be foolish not to listen when history rhymes.The lesson from Saxony-Anhalt therefore extends far beyond the AfD.Europe's establishment can build firewalls. It can organise protests. It can condemn extremists and challenge rhetoric that threatens minorities or democratic institutions.But none of those things answers the most important question:Why are so many voters moving Right in the first place?Until Europe's political centre answers that question convincingly, the insurgency will continue.The Right is no longer knocking on Europe's door.Voters are increasingly handing it the keys.

AfD's opponents have legitimate concerns. Germany's history makes scrutiny of extremist rhetoric especially important. Its Saxony-Anhalt branch has been classified as right-wing extremist by the state's domestic intelligence authorities.

Alice Weidel embodies one of the strangest contradictions in European politics. She leads a party fiercely opposed to mass immigration, yet her partner is Sri Lanka-born. She is in a same-sex relationship while leading a political movement that has championed the traditional heterosexual family. She raises children with her partner while her party has fought liberalisation of family policy. And the woman selling German nationalism has spent significant parts of her private life in Switzerland. Then there is economics. The former investment banker carries distinctly market-oriented instincts while commanding a populist movement drawing heavily from workers who feel abandoned by Germany's political and economic establishment. Welcome to the paradox of Germany's Alternative für Deutschland. Except the AfD is no longer merely an alternative. It is becoming a dominant political force. In Saxony-Anhalt, voters handed the AfD an extraordinary 43.8 per cent of the vote. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU managed just 17.2 per cent. The AfD secured 39 of the state parliament's 83 seats — short of governing alone, but comfortably the largest party. The political shockwaves have reached Berlin. Merz described himself as deeply shocked and acknowledged a devastating defeat. Former chancellor Angela Merkel has also reacted with dismay. Meanwhile, thousands have taken to German streets protesting the AfD's advance. But protests cannot erase ballots. And that presents Europe's liberal establishment with an uncomfortable democratic dilemma. If an election is free and fair, what happens when voters choose the political movement the establishment has spent years warning them against? AfD's opponents have legitimate concerns. Germany's history makes scrutiny of extremist rhetoric especially important. Its Saxony-Anhalt branch has been classified as right-wing extremist by the state's domestic intelligence authorities. But condemning a political movement is not the same thing as understanding why people vote for it. Immigration. Economic insecurity. National identity. Cultural anxiety. Anger at established politicians. Frustration with institutions voters believe no longer listen to them. These forces are not confined to Germany. Across Europe, nationalist and right-wing populist movements have moved from the political fringes towards government, parliament and increasingly the mainstream. Across the Atlantic, Donald Trump's movement speaks much of the same political language: borders, sovereignty, cultural conservatism, national pride and rebellion against an establishment accused of abandoning ordinary citizens. Yet there is a crucial difference.

AfD's opponents have legitimate concerns. Germany's history makes scrutiny of extremist rhetoric especially important. Its Saxony-Anhalt branch has been classified as right-wing extremist by the state's domestic intelligence authorities.

Europe turns right: The revolution the establishment cannot ignore | The Verdict

Germany is witnessing its first major cabinet reshuffle under Chancellor Friedrich Merz after a political controversy forced a senior minister to resign. The shake-up follows the resignation of senior CDU leader Jens Spahn, triggering significant changes within Germany's federal government. Chancellor Merz has appointed new ministers and indicated that additional cabinet changes could follow in the coming days. The political overhaul comes as Germany faces economic challenges, declining public approval, and growing political pressure from the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Germany in political turmoil | Friedrich Merz reshuffles Cabinet after minister's resignation

Berlin, Germany 
Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics.
Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost.
Musk said in a post on his social media platform X, “Only the AfD [Alternative für Deutschland, the right wing party] can save Germany".
Via the post, Musk appeared to endorse the far-right and anti-immigrant party AfD, and is being accused of interfering in Germany's upcoming elections. 
Musk also reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor. 
The German health minister, Karl Lauterbach called Musk's act of commenting on Germany's political debate “undignified and highly problematic”. 
Watch | Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage On Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/21/2112_wion_KYIV_11AM-1734764410-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2112_wion_KYIV_11AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=214&tags=russia,Ukraine,russia ukraine war,Putin,war,Oreshnik" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
Scholz also responded to Musk's post in a press conference without naming him.
“We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you’re able to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice," Scholz said. 
Later on the same day, two people were reported killed in a suspected terror attack in the German city of Magdeburg.
Musk again posted on X citing the incident and wrote, "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool". 
Lauterbach further accused Musk of election interference and asked authorities to keep an eye on what was happening on X. 
“It is very disturbing, how the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk," he said. 
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Christian Lindner, former finance minister of Germany who was sacked by Scholz, also responded to Musk.
She wrote on X, “Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei. While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom and business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for. CL". 
(With inputs from agencies)

Musk reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor. 



Berlin, Germany Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics. Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost. Musk said in a post on his social media platform X, “Only the AfD [Alternative für Deutschland, the right wing party] can save Germany". Via the post, Musk appeared to endorse the far-right and anti-immigrant party AfD, and is being accused of interfering in Germany's upcoming elections. Musk also reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor. The German health minister, Karl Lauterbach called Musk's act of commenting on Germany's political debate “undignified and highly problematic”. Watch | Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage On Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions Scholz also responded to Musk's post in a press conference without naming him. “We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you’re able to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice," Scholz said. Later on the same day, two people were reported killed in a suspected terror attack in the German city of Magdeburg. Musk again posted on X citing the incident and wrote, "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool". Lauterbach further accused Musk of election interference and asked authorities to keep an eye on what was happening on X. “It is very disturbing, how the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk," he said. Also read | US drops bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital Christian Lindner, former finance minister of Germany who was sacked by Scholz, also responded to Musk. She wrote on X, “Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei. While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom and business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for. CL". (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's 'problematic' post on German politics sparks accusations of interference

Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics.

Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost.

Musk said in a post on his social media platform X, “Only the AfD [Alternative für Deutschland, the right wing party] can save Germany".

Via the post, Musk appeared to endorse the far-right and anti-immigrant party AfD, and is being accused of interfering in Germany's upcoming elections.&nbsp;

Musk also reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor.&nbsp;

The German health minister, Karl Lauterbach called Musk's act of commenting on Germany's political debate “undignified and highly problematic”.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage On Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-unleashes-missile-barrage-on-kyiv-amid-escalating-tensions-785765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scholz also responded to Musk's post in a press conference without naming him.

“We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you’re able to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice," Scholz said.&nbsp;

Later on the same day, two people were reported killed in a suspected terror attack in the German city of Magdeburg.

Musk again posted on X citing the incident and wrote, "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool".&nbsp;

Lauterbach further accused Musk of election interference and asked authorities to keep an eye on what was happening on X.&nbsp;

“It is very disturbing, how the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-bounty-on-syrias-new-leader-after-talks-in-syrian-capital-785759">US drops bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital</a>

Christian Lindner, former finance minister of Germany who was sacked by Scholz, also responded to Musk.

She wrote on X, “Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei. While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom and business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for. CL".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics. Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost.

Billionaire Elon Musk sparked controversy on Friday (Dec 20) with his comment on Germany's politics. Germany is set to go to the polls on February 23 after Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition collapsed in November, which followed a no-trust vote this month which he lost. Musk said in a post on his social media platform X, “Only the AfD [Alternative für Deutschland, the right wing party] can save Germany". Via the post, Musk appeared to endorse the far-right and anti-immigrant party AfD, and is being accused of interfering in Germany's upcoming elections. Musk also reposted a video by a German rightwing influencer, Naomi Seibt. She criticised the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats' leader Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become Germany's next chancellor. The German health minister, Karl Lauterbach called Musk's act of commenting on Germany's political debate “undignified and highly problematic”. Watch | Russia Unleashes Missile Barrage On Kyiv Amid Escalating Tensions Scholz also responded to Musk's post in a press conference without naming him. “We have freedom of speech here. That also applies to multimillionaires. Freedom of speech also means that you’re able to say things that aren’t right and do not contain good political advice," Scholz said. Later on the same day, two people were reported killed in a suspected terror attack in the German city of Magdeburg. Musk again posted on X citing the incident and wrote, "Scholz should resign immediately. Incompetent fool". Lauterbach further accused Musk of election interference and asked authorities to keep an eye on what was happening on X. “It is very disturbing, how the platform X, which I use very intensively myself, is increasingly being used to spread the political positions and goals of Mr Musk," he said. Also read | US drops bounty on Syria’s new leader after talks in Syrian capital Christian Lindner, former finance minister of Germany who was sacked by Scholz, also responded to Musk. She wrote on X, “Elon, I’ve initiated a policy debate inspired by ideas from you and Milei. While migration control is crucial for Germany, the AfD stands against freedom and business – and it’s a far-right extremist party. Don’t rush to conclusions from afar. Let’s meet, and I’ll show you what the FDP stands for. CL". (With inputs from agencies)

Germany Chancellor Scholz Loses Majority In Parliament. Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired his rebellious Finance Minister Christian Lindner from his government and this comes as the Ministers of the free Democratic party had vowed to quit Scholz's Coalition.

Germany Chancellor Scholz Loses Majority In Parliament

The German government's domestic intelligence agency has been given the right to spy on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after a court ruled Tuesday that the party is a suspected threat to democracy.

In March, the court dismissed a legal challenge brought by the AfD that delayed plans by Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) to put the party under surveillance.

Cologne's administrative court, however, found that there were "sufficient indications of anti-constitutional goals within the AfD," it said in a statement.

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Therefore, the BfV is allowed to classify the anti-Islam, anti-immigrant party as a "suspected case of right-wing extremism".

The classification allows intelligence agents to eavesdrop on the party's communications and use undercover agents.

In their argument, AfD leaders asserted the party had distanced itself from its most extreme elements by disbanding the hardline "Wing" faction led by Bjoern Hoecke.

Even so, judges in Cologne said key figures from the faction still held "significant influence" in the party.

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In addition, the court criticised the extreme positions of the AfD's youth wing, saying its members shared the views of former "Wing" supporters that "German people should be kept ethnically intact and 'outsiders' should be excluded as far as possible".

"This goes against the Basic Law," the court said, referring to Germany's constitution.

The AfD began as an anti-euro party in 2013 before becoming an anti-immigrant one.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-mystery-around-russias-z-symbol-460386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2017, the party won its first seats in the national parliament, riding on public outrage over an influx of refugees in 2015-2016.

A series of infightings and waning concerns about immigration have now weakened it. At last year's general election, the AfD won just over 10 per cent of the vote, down from almost 13 per cent previously, despite attempts to win over opponents of government coronavirus restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The German government's domestic intelligence agency has been given the right to spy on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after a court ruled Tuesday that the party is a suspected threat to democracy.

The German government's domestic intelligence agency has been given the right to spy on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after a court ruled Tuesday that the party is a suspected threat to democracy. In March, the court dismissed a legal challenge brought by the AfD that delayed plans by Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) to put the party under surveillance. Cologne's administrative court, however, found that there were "sufficient indications of anti-constitutional goals within the AfD," it said in a statement. Also read | A bill 'based on hate & discrimination': Florida passes archaic 'Don't Say Gay' school bill Therefore, the BfV is allowed to classify the anti-Islam, anti-immigrant party as a "suspected case of right-wing extremism". The classification allows intelligence agents to eavesdrop on the party's communications and use undercover agents. In their argument, AfD leaders asserted the party had distanced itself from its most extreme elements by disbanding the hardline "Wing" faction led by Bjoern Hoecke. Even so, judges in Cologne said key figures from the faction still held "significant influence" in the party. Also read | This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all In addition, the court criticised the extreme positions of the AfD's youth wing, saying its members shared the views of former "Wing" supporters that "German people should be kept ethnically intact and 'outsiders' should be excluded as far as possible". "This goes against the Basic Law," the court said, referring to Germany's constitution. The AfD began as an anti-euro party in 2013 before becoming an anti-immigrant one. Watch | Gravitas: The mystery around Russia's 'Z' Symbol In 2017, the party won its first seats in the national parliament, riding on public outrage over an influx of refugees in 2015-2016. A series of infightings and waning concerns about immigration have now weakened it. At last year's general election, the AfD won just over 10 per cent of the vote, down from almost 13 per cent previously, despite attempts to win over opponents of government coronavirus restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

German domestic intelligence agency gets green-light to spy on far-right, extremist AfD party

It is the end of an era for Germany, the beginning of another. After being in power for 16 years German chancellor is retiring from politics paving way for a new coalition government.

Germany to have a centre-left government for the first time ever

Germany: Coalition pledges to modernize Europe's largest economy

BERLIN — Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has placed the far-right Alternative for Germany under observation as a potential threat to the country’s democracy, officials said Wednesday, setting the stage for a battle between the state and a party that is the main opposition in Parliament.

It is the first time in Germany’s postwar history that a party represented in the federal Parliament has elicited such intense scrutiny, and it highlights an uneasy question facing the country’s institutions: What to do with a party that is considered a danger to democracy — but is popular in parts of the country and has become entrenched at all levels of politics?

That question has particular resonance in an election year that will see Angela Merkel step down after 16 years as chancellor, a tenure in which she became a symbol of a Germany that has learned from its history and welcomes refugees.

The leaders of the Alternative for Germany, AfD, as the party is known, routinely accuse Muslim immigrants of being criminals, attack the press and question the universalist principles of liberal democracy.

During the coronavirus pandemic, AfD officials have taken part in protests that have at times turned violent, in one case infiltrating protesters into the Parliament building. Yet, even as it has become more radicalized, the party has established a presence in Parliament and state legislatures across the country.

Increasingly concerned about the party’s positions, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, as the domestic intelligence agency is known here, has spent two years scrutinizing the speeches and social media posts of AfD officials.

A year ago the intelligence agency classified the most radical wing of the party and its youth organization as extremist and said it would place some of its most influential leaders under surveillance.

Since then, this radical wing is suspected of having extended its influence in the party, officials say, prompting the agency to investigate the entire party for extremism. The latest decision stops short of classifying the AfD as extremist, but it clears the way for the agency to place it under surveillance to determine if it is.

Members of the AfD responded with outrage Wednesday, vowing to take legal measures and insinuating that the move was politically motivated.

“The intelligence agency is acting purely politically when it comes to the AfD,” Alice Weidel, a prominent party leader, wrote on Twitter. “Given the state and federal elections this year that is particularly remarkable.”

Another AfD lawmaker, Jürgen Braun, sounded a similar theme.

“You know you’re living in Germany,” he wrote on Twitter, “when one and a half weeks ahead of two important regional elections and a few months before the national election the domestic secret service declares the biggest opposition party to be suspicious."

The decision was reached last week but was not publicly announced, pending an ongoing court case the AfD has brought to stop the measures against it.

Last month an administrative court in Cologne ruled that the intelligence office, known here as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, or its German initials BfV, was allowed to start investigating the AfD for extremism.

The agency would not comment on the case Wednesday. But German officials, who requested anonymity given the sensitivities of an ongoing court case, confirmed the decision.

“Due to the ongoing legal proceedings and out of respect for the court the BfV does not give any public statements on this matter,” the intelligence agency said in an emailed statement.

The founding mission of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution after World War II was to protect against the rise of political forces — primarily another Nazi party — that could once again threaten Germany’s democracy.

“We take that mission very seriously,” Thomas Haldenwang, the president of the agency, said at a news conference last year, after labeling part of the AfD as extremist.

“We know from German history that far-right extremism didn’t just destroy human lives; it destroyed democracy,” he said. “Far-right extremism and far-right terrorism are currently the biggest danger for democracy in Germany.”

BERLIN — Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has placed the far-right Alternative for Germany under observation as a potential threat to the country’s democracy, officials said Wednesday, setting the stage for a battle between the state and a party that is the main opposition in Parliament.

BERLIN — Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has placed the far-right Alternative for Germany under observation as a potential threat to the country’s democracy, officials said Wednesday, setting the stage for a battle between the state and a party that is the main opposition in Parliament. It is the first time in Germany’s postwar history that a party represented in the federal Parliament has elicited such intense scrutiny, and it highlights an uneasy question facing the country’s institutions: What to do with a party that is considered a danger to democracy — but is popular in parts of the country and has become entrenched at all levels of politics? That question has particular resonance in an election year that will see Angela Merkel step down after 16 years as chancellor, a tenure in which she became a symbol of a Germany that has learned from its history and welcomes refugees. The leaders of the Alternative for Germany, AfD, as the party is known, routinely accuse Muslim immigrants of being criminals, attack the press and question the universalist principles of liberal democracy. During the coronavirus pandemic, AfD officials have taken part in protests that have at times turned violent, in one case infiltrating protesters into the Parliament building. Yet, even as it has become more radicalized, the party has established a presence in Parliament and state legislatures across the country. Increasingly concerned about the party’s positions, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, as the domestic intelligence agency is known here, has spent two years scrutinizing the speeches and social media posts of AfD officials. A year ago the intelligence agency classified the most radical wing of the party and its youth organization as extremist and said it would place some of its most influential leaders under surveillance. Since then, this radical wing is suspected of having extended its influence in the party, officials say, prompting the agency to investigate the entire party for extremism. The latest decision stops short of classifying the AfD as extremist, but it clears the way for the agency to place it under surveillance to determine if it is. Members of the AfD responded with outrage Wednesday, vowing to take legal measures and insinuating that the move was politically motivated. “The intelligence agency is acting purely politically when it comes to the AfD,” Alice Weidel, a prominent party leader, wrote on Twitter. “Given the state and federal elections this year that is particularly remarkable.” Another AfD lawmaker, Jürgen Braun, sounded a similar theme. “You know you’re living in Germany,” he wrote on Twitter, “when one and a half weeks ahead of two important regional elections and a few months before the national election the domestic secret service declares the biggest opposition party to be suspicious." The decision was reached last week but was not publicly announced, pending an ongoing court case the AfD has brought to stop the measures against it. Last month an administrative court in Cologne ruled that the intelligence office, known here as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, or its German initials BfV, was allowed to start investigating the AfD for extremism. The agency would not comment on the case Wednesday. But German officials, who requested anonymity given the sensitivities of an ongoing court case, confirmed the decision. “Due to the ongoing legal proceedings and out of respect for the court the BfV does not give any public statements on this matter,” the intelligence agency said in an emailed statement. The founding mission of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution after World War II was to protect against the rise of political forces — primarily another Nazi party — that could once again threaten Germany’s democracy. “We take that mission very seriously,” Thomas Haldenwang, the president of the agency, said at a news conference last year, after labeling part of the AfD as extremist. “We know from German history that far-right extremism didn’t just destroy human lives; it destroyed democracy,” he said. “Far-right extremism and far-right terrorism are currently the biggest danger for democracy in Germany.”

Germany places far-right AfD party under surveillance for extremism

German economy minister Sigmar Gabriel has decided to run against Chancellor Angela Merkel in general elections expected this September, Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday citing sources from Social Democrats.

Senior party sources told Reuters last week, that there is no realistic alternative to Gabriel, currently serving as vice chancellor and economy minister in Merkel&#39;s right-left coalition government. Gabriel, 57, also leads the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Merkel, 62, announced her candidature for a fourth term in November last year.

An official announcement is not expected until January 29.

&quot;The SPD will decide on its candidate for chancellor on Jan. 29,&quot; a spokesman for Gabriel said, Reuters reported.

The paper said that former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder had encouraged Gabriel to stand and clearly state that he wanted the top job.

Some party members had hoped that the former president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz would step up for the role.

Bild said Gabriel&#39;s likely run meant that Schulz would replace Steinmeier as Berlin&#39;s top diplomat.

The SPD executive board denied in a tweet that a decision had been taken.

&quot;We are pleased about the media interest in the SPD! But it is just speculation about the chancellor issue. The fact remains: we will decide on January 29,&quot; it said.

Although Merkel had received criticism for her liberal immigration policy, polls show the Christian Democrats (CDU) leads with around 37 per cent support, followed at a distance by the SPD with about 20 per cent. An insurgent anti-immigration party, the AfD, is currently polling at around 15 per cent, AFP reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

An official announcement is not expected until January 29 but Bild newspaper reports that Sigmar Gabriel has decided to run

German economy minister Sigmar Gabriel has decided to run against Chancellor Angela Merkel in general elections expected this September, Bild newspaper reported on Tuesday citing sources from Social Democrats. Senior party sources told Reuters last week, that there is no realistic alternative to Gabriel, currently serving as vice chancellor and economy minister in Merkel's right-left coalition government. Gabriel, 57, also leads the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Merkel, 62, announced her candidature for a fourth term in November last year. An official announcement is not expected until January 29. "The SPD will decide on its candidate for chancellor on Jan. 29," a spokesman for Gabriel said, Reuters reported. The paper said that former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder had encouraged Gabriel to stand and clearly state that he wanted the top job. Some party members had hoped that the former president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz would step up for the role. Bild said Gabriel's likely run meant that Schulz would replace Steinmeier as Berlin's top diplomat. The SPD executive board denied in a tweet that a decision had been taken. "We are pleased about the media interest in the SPD! But it is just speculation about the chancellor issue. The fact remains: we will decide on January 29," it said. Although Merkel had received criticism for her liberal immigration policy, polls show the Christian Democrats (CDU) leads with around 37 per cent support, followed at a distance by the SPD with about 20 per cent. An insurgent anti-immigration party, the AfD, is currently polling at around 15 per cent, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

German economy minister Gabriel to run against Merkel: Reports