The classification of the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist party by the Federal Intelligence Service has sparked a heated debate on how to deal with the party. The incumbent Federal Justice Minister Volker Wissing welcomed the classification and warned against any cooperation with the AfD. “The Federal Intelligence Service is convinced that the AfD is a confirmed right-wing extremist party” said the independent politician to the “Tagesspiegel” (Saturday edition). He has no doubt that the Federal Intelligence Service has thoroughly prepared its classification. It is the good right of the AfD to legally challenge the classification of the Federal Intelligence Service. “Germany is a constitutional state.” Ultimately, independent courts will decide whether the classification of the Federal Intelligence Service is legally valid. Wissing did not comment on a possible ban procedure against the AfD. However, he clearly stated that there should be no cooperation between democratic parties and the AfD. “For me personally, it is clear: Whoever speaks in favor of the normalization of right-wing extremist positions acts in the highest degree irresponsibly” said Wissing. The Basic Law knows no first and second-class citizens. “All Germans are equal under the Basic Law, regardless of where they, their parents, or grandparents were born.” No cooperation should be allowed with political groups that do not unconditionally accept this.
Ban or Cooperate?
