Germany's BfV Halts AfD Extremist Label: International Reactions Surge

Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, has paused its designation of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as an extremist organization. According to a statement on Thursday, the announcement came amid the AfD's legal challenge against the move in an administrative court in Cologne.

The classification sparked contentious debate within Germany's political landscape and was criticized by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who urged Germany to reverse its decision. The extremist label allowed the BfV to increase surveillance of the AfD, potentially recruiting informants and intercepting communications.

Despite the pause, the BfV maintains its classification of the AfD, labeling the party as racist and anti-Muslim. International concerns grew, as Senator Tom Cotton of the U.S. Senate intelligence committee suggested halting intelligence cooperation with Germany until the AfD is recognized as a legitimate opposition party.

(With inputs from agencies.)