A Cologne Administrative Court ruled that the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) cannot yet definitively classify the AfD as securely right-wing extremist and must await the main proceedings, effectively keeping the party in a provisional status.

While the court acknowledged some evidence of anti-democratic activity within the AfD, it said these signals do not prove a fundamental anticonstitutional tendency for the party as a whole.

The AfD sought an emergency injunction, and the court’s ruling aligns with granting that injunction for now, with a higher court potential appeal possible in Münster.

Contextual note: reports center on recent regional coverage in northern Germany around February 25–26, 2026.

If upgraded, Verfassungsschutz could employ more intensive surveillance tools, including observations and informants.

The reporting comes via Le Figaro with AFP, and additional details are expected to follow.

The piece is a short video segment with a four-minute duration and a standalone timestamp.

The coverage ties the ruling to related local political developments and other Verfassungsschutz actions in Germany.

Practically, labeling as 'suspected' allows monitoring, while 'confirmed extremist' would lower thresholds for surveillance and carry broader political implications for donors, members, and public-sector employees.

AfD leaders and supporters praised the ruling on social media, framing it as a partial victory and a boost ahead of upcoming state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.

The decision unfolds amid broader internal tensions, including family connections of AfD lawmakers and related scandals.

The AfD remains the leading opposition party, having finished second nationally and preparing for regional elections later in the year.