Bangladesh, May 3 -- In a dramatic move with significant political ramifications, Germanys domestic intelligence agency has officially classified the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as “extremist.” The decision by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), announced on May 2, has stirred controversy, particularly as the AfD continues to enjoy strong polling numbers ahead of traditional mainstream parties.

According to a BfV statement, the classification stems from what authorities describe as an “intensive and comprehensive expert review” of the partys activities, affiliations, and rhetoric. The agency claims the AfD demonstrates “numerous signs of acting against the free...