About This Trend

Hochstufung refers to the recent classification of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a right-wing political party in Germany, as 'gesichert rechtsextremistisch' (proven right-wing extremist) by the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV), the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The trend is currently prominent because the BfV has suspended this classification following internal and political disputes. This decision has sparked widespread controversy, with the AfD filing a lawsuit against the federal agency, claiming the classification and its announcement were unlawful. Additionally, the dismissal of a state intelligence chief and conflicting statements from Brandenburg's Interior Minister have further fueled the ongoing debate. .

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