Germany's domestic intelligence agency has temporarily paused labeling the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as extremist following a legal challenge, stirring debate across the political spectrum.
Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has suspended its classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an extremist organization. This decision follows a legal bid by the party to overturn the classification, with the administrative court in Cologne yet to rule on the case.
The BfV had previously classified the far-right AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist movement," enabling enhanced surveillance measures, such as monitoring communications and recruiting informants. These measures are also suspended pending the court’s decision. However, the agency has not revised its assessment of the AfD as part of the pause.
The AfD leadership welcomed the development, describing it as a step toward countering the accusations. Since its founding in 2013, the AfD has risen to become Germany's second-largest party, though it remains largely isolated in political alliances.
The classification and its suspension have ignited debate within Germany and beyond. While some lawmakers view the AfD as a threat to democracy and advocate stronger measures, others see the classification as an infringement on political freedoms.
The BfV’s decision has also drawn international attention. U.S. officials, including Senator Tom Cotton, called for a reassessment of intelligence-sharing agreements with Germany, citing concerns over how the AfD is treated as an opposition party.
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Nippon Steel closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel on Wednesday after securing approval from the Trump administration, which obtained a rare “golden share” giving the U.S. government veto power over key corporate decisions.
As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the vital Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern, prompting commercial shipping to reroute and maritime agencies to issue urgent advisories.
Sweden’s central bank lowered its key interest rate to 2.00% on Wednesday, citing mild inflation and weaker-than-expected economic growth.
The U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday, as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies with ongoing Israeli strikes against Iranian targets.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to say whether Washington planned to strike Iran or its nuclear sites, adding that Tehran had reached out but it may now be "too late to be talking."
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