Bangladesh, Dec. 31 -- The decision by the Munich Security Conference (MSC) to allow representatives of Germanys right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to participate in its 2026 gathering has reignited a contentious debate over democracy, political exclusion, and the limits of Germanys long-standing “firewall” against the far right. While conference organizers insist the move reflects a commitment to dialogue rather than endorsement, critics warn it could signal a subtle normalization of a party many view as extremist.

For the past two years, the AfD had been barred from attending one of the worlds most influential security forums. The exclusion was introduced under the leadership of Christoph Heusgen, the MSCs forme...