Rubio Condemns Germany’s Classification of AfD as Extremist, Calls Move “Tyranny in Disguise”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has launched a scathing critique of Germany following its decision to officially classify the far-right Alternative für Germany (AfD) party as a right-wing extremist organization. Rubio, a leading figure in the Trump-aligned administration, took to the social media platform X to denounce the move, calling it “tyranny in disguise” and criticizing what he described as Germany’s authoritarian tilt against political opposition.

Germany has given its spy agency new powers to monitor the opposition. This is not democracy; it is tyranny in disguise,” Rubio posted, referencing the expanded surveillance capabilities of Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

The classification by the BfV follows an extensive investigation spanning nearly three years, culminating in a 1,100-page expert report. The agency concluded that the AfD promotes racist and anti-Muslim ideologies, with its core principles deemed incompatible with Germany’s liberal democratic order. This designation enables German authorities to use advanced surveillance measures, including wiretapping, recruiting informants, and disrupting internal party communications.

Rubio, however, defended the AfD, claiming the real threat comes not from the party but from Germany’s immigration policies. “What is truly extremist is not the popular AfD, which came in second in the recent election, but the establishment’s deadly open border immigration policies, which the AfD opposes,” he stated.

Rubio also urged the U.S. to reconsider its stance toward Germany in light of these developments. His comments align with previous support for the AfD by other right-wing figures, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

The AfD has responded strongly to the BfV’s ruling. Co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla condemned the decision, labeling it politically motivated and a dangerous abuse of state power. “We will continue to challenge this through legal means,” the party said.

Despite growing criticism, the AfD remains a significant political force. Recent national polling even showed it overtaking the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, positioning it as Germany’s most popular party, a development that further intensifies the debate over its classification.

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