A new debate has emerged regarding the classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a right-wing extremist party by the German Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution. According to an Infratest poll for the ARD “Deutschlandtrend” two-thirds (67%) of the public agree with the authorities’ assessment that the AfD is a right-wing extremist party. However, AfD supporters strongly reject this classification, with only 5% agreeing that their party is right-wing extremist. The majority of AfD supporters (82%) agree with the statement: “It doesn’t matter to me that the AfD is considered right-wing extremist, as long as they address the right issues.”
The public is still divided on the question of whether a ban on the AfD should be initiated: 43% believe it to be appropriate, while 47% believe it is not appropriate. The AfD’s position on immigration issues receives near-universal support from its own members: 96% of AfD supporters believe it is good that the AfD wants to limit the influx of foreigners and refugees more than other parties. Among all respondents, 45% agree with this statement, while 47% disagree.
At the same time, a majority of Germans (62%) fear that the AfD will destroy our democracy. However, this fear is not present among AfD supporters, with only 2% expressing concern.
Now that the Bundestag is seated, the appointment of committees and the election of committee chairpersons is on the agenda. A majority (58%) opposes the election of AfD committee chairpersons in the Bundestag, while 35% find it acceptable. The survey was conducted by Infratest, polling a total of 1,325 people from May 5th to 6th, 2025.