Media as guardian: AfD in the right-wing extremism dilemma!

Media as guardian: AfD in the right-wing extremism dilemma!

The discussion about how the media deals with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become increasingly important in recent years. The debate was particularly reignited in May 2025 when the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified the AfD as “certainly right-wing extremist”. During this time, it was crucial for media to reflect on their role as information brokers and guardians of democracy. Overmedia reports that this discussion is particularly anchored in a crucial place in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, where the media does not provide a platform for right-wing parties.

The role of the media encompasses more than just reporting on current events. Journalists have an enormous political responsibility as they decide which issues make it onto the political agenda and who is legitimate in the political arena. The AfD's assessment has led to a revival of the debate, especially since several media outlets published a classified report from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This happened despite unclear consequences that could arise from the publication, such as daily news determines.

Migration and responsibility of the media

Léonie de Jonge, professor of right-wing extremism research at the University of Tübingen, highlights how crucial the media is in the rise of the extreme right. Their gatekeeping function influences whether extreme right-wing positions are heard or not. In Wallonia, the media has taken a clear position, while in Germany the debate about the appropriate way to deal with the AfD and the responsibility of the media continues.

The report from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which comprises more than 1,100 pages, highlights, among other things, the AfD's position on National Socialism. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution contradicts the claim of an AfD MP that only the Nazi leadership committed crimes. This issue is being intensively discussed in public, with some voices pointing to the need for transparent reporting to preserve democratic foundations, as Cicero magazine argues.

Legal disputes and transparency

In April 2025, the AfD sued against the classification and submitted an urgent application to the Cologne Administrative Court. Based on the pending court decision, the Federal Office is no longer describing the AfD as definitely right-wing extremist. It remains to be seen what legal consequences will arise from the published report. The Federal Ministry of the Interior referred to the legal regulation on the confidentiality of information and did not respond directly to inquiries about potential legal action.

The continued existence of statements relevant to the protection of the constitution within the AfD, despite the small number of party regulatory measures, shows the structural problem within the party. The media must continue to be aware of its responsibility not only to provide reporting, but also to promote critical engagement with extreme political currents in order to strengthen the cohesion of democracy.