Kirchner: Classification is politically motivated
Following the classification of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as definitely right-wing extremist, AfD co-faction leader Oliver Kirchner reacted calmly to the classification of the state constitutional protection agency. "I'm not interested in what the Office for the Protection of the Constitution claims," Kirchner told the German Press Agency on Tuesday. He also pointed out that the AfD had only recently overtaken the CDU in a voter survey. The assessment was politically motivated, as the Ministry of the Interior is led by the CDU, said the co-leader of the parliamentary group.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the state association of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization. This was announced by the head of the authority, Jochen Hollmann, on Tuesday in response to an inquiry. The authority had evaluated numerous anti-Muslim, racist and anti-Semitic statements made by functionaries and elected representatives.
Kirchner argued that the classification of the AfD as right-wing extremist in Saxony-Anhalt was politically motivated, given that the Ministry of the Interior is led by the CDU, a party with which the AfD has often had opposing views. The classification of the AfD as extremist has sparked controversy among parties, with some arguing that it's a move to suppress political opposition.
Source: www.dpa.com
