The Administrative Court of Cologne has issued a ruling stating that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) is temporarily barred from classifying the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as 'confirmed far-right', in light of a legal request for protective measures from the party itself. This decision indicates that while there is sufficient certainty about efforts within the AfD that challenge the democratic order, the court believes this does not constitute a definitive anti-constitutional stance sufficient for a broad classification of the party. Until the outcome of the main proceedings is decided, the classification is on hold.

The ruling follows the BfV's earlier classification of the AfD as 'confirmed far-right' last year, after extensive investigation suggested that the party aims to undermine democratic principles. This previous classification was grounded in cooperative investigations indicating significant concerns regarding the party's alignment and activities. The court's recent decision indicates a shift, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the party's internal dynamics and its overall stance regarding Germany's democratic framework.

This decision could have significant implications for the AfD, as it aims to contest the initial classification that could potentially harm its reputation and electoral viability. By allowing the party to dispute the BfV's characterization, the court's ruling opens a pathway for the AfD to challenge its perceived far-right identity and navigate its political agenda without the stigma of formal classification being imposed upon it at this moment.