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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Category: World
July 22, 2025
Politics
World

Trump Exits UN Agency, Citing Support for ‘Woke’ Globalist Agenda.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration announced the United States will exit the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), citing the organization’s support for divisive far-left cultural and social causes.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UNESCO leadership.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with the decision following a prior U.S. withdrawal in October 2017.

💬KEY QUOTE: “President Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO—which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November.” — Anna Kelly

🎯IMPACT: The decision underscores the administration’s America First foreign policy and its rejection of globalist ideological agendas.

IN FULL

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that the United States will exit the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A specialized agency under the United Nations Economic and Social Council based in Paris, France, UNESCO is ostensibly tasked with promoting “cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster peace worldwide.” However, the Trump White House says the UN agency no longer “aligns with our national interests.”

“President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the United States from UNESCO—which supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes that are totally out-of-step with the commonsense policies that Americans voted for in November,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said on Tuesday, adding: “This President will always put America First and ensure our country’s membership in all international organizations aligns with our national interests.”

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed the withdrawal from UNESCO, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Today, the United States announced our decision to withdraw from UNESCO. Like many UN organizations, UNESCO strayed from its founding mission. Going forward, U.S. participation in international organizations must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

The Trump administration also cited UNESCO’s recognition of the “State of Palestine” as a Member State as a key issue. This decision, they argue, has contributed to anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization. The United States previously withdrew from UNESCO in October 2017 under similar circumstances, but the Biden government rejoined the agency in 2023.

Notably, the move has already drawn a response from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged “Unwavering support for UNESCO, a universal guardian of science, the Ocean, education, culture, and world heritage,” in a post on X.

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July 21, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
War
World

This Western European Country Is Desperate to Rebuild Its Abandoned Bomb Shelters.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Fears of an attack from Russia are prompting Germany to look urgently at replacing air-raid bunkers after shutting down nearly all of its Cold War-era facilities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: German government, German military (Bundeswehr), Norbert Gebbeken of the University of the Bundeswehr, and Russia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: A report on Germany’s desire for new air raid shelters was published on July 20.

💬KEY QUOTE: “When I ask my friends what their stockpiling situation is… the usual joke is that they have enough red wine to last for a year.” – Tim Stuchtey of the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security

🎯IMPACT: Germany is looking to prepare for what the country’s leadership seems to believe is an inevitable conflict with Russia.

IN FULL

Less than two decades after decommissioning its last air-raid bunkers, Germany is reversing course amid rising fears of a Russian attack. Of the 2,000 bunkers operational during the Cold War, only 580 remain—covering just 480,000 people, or 0.5 percent of the population. Many of those are mostly unusable.

“Maintenance and servicing of civil protection equipment is no longer taking place,” a government spokesman said. The remaining shelters, including those in the capital of Berlin, are “neither functional nor operational.”

Spurred by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany has pledged to become “war-ready” by 2029, with military spending set to nearly double. “When I ask my friends what their stockpiling situation is… the usual joke is that they have enough red wine to last for a year,” said Tim Stuchtey of the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security. “But it’s not enough for the Bundeswehr [military] to be ready. So must the whole of society.”

A 2024 classified plan, Operation Plan Germany, outlines infrastructure protection and NATO troop movement, with bunkers as a key component. “The government must define what it considers the threat to be. And secondly, what should be protected,” said Norbert Gebbeken of the University of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces. “Neither of these questions has been answered yet.”

Rather than rebuilding vast Cold War bunkers, authorities are identifying basements, garages, and subway stations that can be rapidly reinforced. “The idea is to use existing spaces and reinforce them,” said Gebbeken. “They aren’t entirely improvised. This is what we know from Israel and other places.”

Germany plans to shelter a million civilians by the end of 2026 and scale up. A mobile app is also in development to guide citizens to the nearest shelter and convert private rooms. “By signaling that we are… able and willing to defend our values, we contribute to our deterrent,” said Stuchtey. “We’re basically telling Russia: Don’t even think about it.”

While Germany looks to rearm and become one of the most powerful militaries in Europe, the country has been plagued by equipment shortages and a population that has a largely unfavorable view of service in the armed forces. A 2024 poll showed that less than a third of Germans, 32 percent, were willing to join the armed forces if Germany were attacked by a foreign adversary. A massive 57 percent said they would refuse to serve.

Image by RogerOver.

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July 21, 2025
News
World

Japan’s PM Ishiba Admits Election Defeat, But Vows to Remain in Power.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party failed to secure enough seats to retain control of the upper house in the latest election.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the Liberal Democratic Party, and opposition parties including the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Democratic Party for the People.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The election took place on Sunday in Japan, with results being finalized on Monday morning.

💬KEY QUOTE: “That’s right. It’s a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously.” – Shigeru Ishiba

🎯IMPACT: The loss puts pressure on the prime minister to address internal party challenges and navigate key policy issues, including U.S. tariff talks.

IN FULL

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s center-right Liberal Democratic Party fell short of the 50 seats it required to maintain control of Japan’s 248-seat upper chamber, securing 47 seats in Sunday’s election. At a news conference, Ishiba affirmed his commitment to stay in office, emphasizing his focus on critical issues like tariff negotiations with the U.S. and rising consumer prices.

Ishiba told Japanese media that he “solemnly” accepted the “harsh result,” acknowledging, “It’s a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously.” Notably, the last three Japanese prime ministers who lost an upper house majority resigned within two months.

While the election result does not directly threaten Ishiba’s minority government, it intensifies pressure on him after his party’s earlier loss of the lower house in October. The center-left Constitutional Democratic Party, the main opposition, gained 37 seats, while the center-right Democratic Party for the People won 22. The right-leaning Sanseito Party made significant gains, securing 14 seats compared to just one in the prior election. Voter turnout hit 58 percent—a six-point increase from the previous upper house election—with a record number of early votes cast over the three-day weekend.

The erosion of the Liberal Democratic Party’s power is significant, with the party having dominated Japan since 1955.

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July 18, 2025
Immigration
World

Europe Wants to Start Sending Migrants Back to Syria and Afghanistan.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: European Union (EU) interior ministers—whose roles are roughly equivalent to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary’s—declared that deportations to Afghanistan and Syria must be permitted.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner, and ministers from France, Poland, Austria, Denmark, and Czechia.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The declaration was made at the Zugspitze Summit in Germany in July.

💬KEY QUOTE: “These are all enormously important steps toward a credible asylum policy in Europe,” said Gerhard Karner.

🎯IMPACT: The declaration pushes for faster return mechanisms for irregular migrants and strengthens Frontex’s mandate.

IN FULL

At the mountaintop Zugspitze Summit in Germany, European Union (EU) interior ministers pushed for deportations to Afghanistan and Syria, both now relatively stable as a result of victories by the Taliban and al-Qaeda Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), respectively.

The interior ministers advocated for stricter migration policies across the EU, where migrant crime is an increasing concern. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt led the summit, which also included representatives from France, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Czechia, and EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner.

The group underscored the importance of streamlining and accelerating the process for deporting migrants, saying deportations to Syria and Afghanistan “must be possible.” Their statement also urged an enhanced role for Frontex, the European Union border agency, to support EU nations in deporting migrants to designated hubs in third countries. The Trump administration in the U.S. is implementing a similar policy, deporting migrants who cannot be sent home immediately to third countries such as Swaziland and South Sudan.

Germany carried out its first deportation of convicted criminals to Afghanistan since 2024 on the same day as the summit, with Austria having recently conducted a similar deportation to Syria—the first EU deportations to the country since the former Assad government was overthrown by HTS.

Image by Shark1989z.

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July 18, 2025
Politics
World

Trump Ally Bolsonaro Detained in Brazil Amid Concerns He Will Seek Asylum in U.S.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has reportedly been fitted with an electronic ankle tag by authorities amid concerns he might seek asylum in the U.S., where he has the support of President Donald J. Trump.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s Supreme Court, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and President Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Brazil, as Bolsonaro faces trial before the country’s Supreme Court.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you.” – Donald Trump in a letter to Bolsonaro.

🎯IMPACT: Bolsonaro is accused of plotting a coup against President Lula and faces trial, with potential implications for Brazil’s democracy and political stability.

IN FULL

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former populist president, has reportedly been fitted with an electronic ankle tag by authorities over concerns he may attempt to flee to the United States and seek asylum. Brazilian prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro, sometimes known as the ‘Tropical Trump,’ of plotting a coup against the incumbent far-left President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and he is now facing trial before the country’s Supreme Court. The allegations have heightened tensions in Brazil, with Bolsonaro still holding significant public support.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his support for Bolsonaro, writing in a recent letter, “Terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you.” Additionally, earlier this month, Trump announced he would increase U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods to 50 percent on August 1, 2025—in part as punishment for the country’s political persecution of Bolsonaro.

In response to the tariff threat, President Lula declared that Brazilian political leaders who support Bolsonaro and Trump are “traitors to the homeland.” He added: “Brazil has only one owner: the Brazilian people.” However, judges have already denied the Brazilian people the opportunity to vote for Bolsonaro by banning him from standing for election.

Meanwhile, in a Thursday post on Truth Social, President Trump demanded that Lula “changes course” and “stop attacking” Bolsonaro. Unlike most of the other tariff measures imposed by Trump, the trade duties on Brazilian goods are being justified in almost entirely political terms, linked to the South American country’s treatment of Bolsonaro.

Responding to the 50 percent tariff imposition in a letter to the Trump administration, Brazil expressed “indignation” at the increased trade duties. Though Lula insists he is “betting on good commercial and diplomatic relations” to ensure the U.S. tariffs on his country are lowered in the near term.

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July 14, 2025
War
World

Orban Demands Justice After Hungarian-Ukrainian Citizen ‘Beaten to Death’ in Forced Conscription.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Hungarian-Ukrainian dual citizen was reportedly beaten to death during forced conscription in Ukraine.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Victim József Sebestyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Ukrainian authorities, and European Union (EU) officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred near the Hungarian border, reported in July 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The victim belongs to our community, not only in the cultural and national sense of the word but also in terms of public law.” – Viktor Orbán

🎯IMPACT: The incident has heightened tensions between Hungary and Ukraine and raised questions about Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership aspirations.

IN FULL

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has strongly condemned the death of a Hungarian-Ukrainian dual citizen, József Sebestyen, who was allegedly beaten to death during forced conscription in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, “This must be taken seriously,” and noted the victim’s connection to Hungary culturally, ethnically, and in terms of public law.

Orbán criticized the cautious language of some news reports in relation to the incident, insisting that the individual was not merely a conscription casualty but was “beaten to death”. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and stressed the need to support the victim’s family, while also questioning Ukrainian authorities.

Orbán, a European Union (EU) and NATO leader, highlighted the broader implications of the incident, connecting it to Ukraine’s desire for EU membership. He argued that a country where forced conscription can result in death should not be part of the EU.

“They say we create tension and damage Hungarian-Ukraine relations in vain. They say this after beating a a Hungarian citizen to death. Enough is enough,” he said, noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen are currently “discuss[ing] ways to prevent a Hungarian veto on Ukraine’s European Union accession.”

“A waste of time. No way. They should instead discuss how to prevent people from dying from forced conscription,” he said.

Orbán also dismissed Ukrainian military claims that the death was not due to abuse, labeling their explanation unsatisfactory. He reiterated the need for diplomacy and peace negotiations, rather than continued conflict, as the path forward.

In addition, Orbán opposed the idea of the EU taking out a loan to support Ukraine, arguing that Europe should focus on restoring its own economy instead. He stated, “Ukraine is a country at war, but this is not an excuse for everything. Ukrainians have no right to beat people to death during forced conscription.”

Hungary borders Ukraine, and the latter’s Transcarpathia region is home to a substantial population of ethnic Hungarians, stranded on the wrong side of the frontier as a result of repeated boundary shifts during the 20th century.

Image by Annika Haas (EU2017EE).

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July 9, 2025
War
World

Trump Is Getting Tired of Putin’s ‘Bulls**t.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former President Barack Obama.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Tuesday, during a Cabinet meeting held in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We get a lot of bulls**t thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump highlighted the differences in U.S. military aid to Ukraine under his administration compared to Obama’s, implying he will begin applying significantly more pressure to Russia if the Kremlin remains unserious about making peace.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump took a strong line on Russian leader Vladimir Putin during his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, calling out what he described as the Russian leader’s “bullshit” on the Ukraine war. “That was a war that should never have happened. And a lot of people are dying and it should end. And I don’t know, we get… we get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” he said.

Often portrayed as a Russia sympathizer or even a Russian puppet—without evidence—by his detractors, Trump stressed that his first administration was far more helpful to Ukraine than Barack Obama’s. “I gave them the Javelins. Remember? They said, ‘Trump gave them javelins and Obama gave them sheets.’ Right. They called Obama at that time, Barack Hussein Obama, if you haven’t heard, he did a terrible job,” Trump said.

In 2014, amid Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the Obama administration opted to provide Ukraine with non-lethal assistance, including medical supplies and blankets. Trump, by contrast, approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in 2017.

By referencing his first administration’s military support for Ukraine, Trump likely intended to imply that Russia could expect the U.S. to begin ramping up assistance to Ukraine again if the Kremlin remains unserious about making peace.

Trump also blamed former President Joe Biden’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan for emboldening Putin to invade Ukraine in 2022. “I think that had you not had the situation in Afghanistan, I don’t think Putin would have gotten in. I think when he looked at how stupid and incompetent that operation was, he said, ‘wow, this might be a chance,’” Trump argued.

Trump stressed that while European countries have contributed to supporting Ukraine, the United States has carried the heaviest burden. He ended by endorsing the resumption of certain defensive weapons shipments to Ukraine. “Putin is not treating human beings right. He’s killing too many people,” he emphasized.

On Wednesday, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov struck a cautious tone on Trump’s statements, saying the Kremlin was “pretty calm about this.”

“Trump’s way of talking is generally quite harsh… [W]e plan to continue our dialogue with Washington to mend our broken bilateral relations [and] we hope that Trump and his team will continue their efforts to get the peace process back to the realm of diplomacy,” Peskov said.

In June, Trump adopted a harsh tone against Iran and especially Israel when a ceasefire between them appeared to be slipping away, ultimately pressuring them both into ending their operations.

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July 7, 2025
Lauren Gallagher
News
World

‘Leave Bolsonaro Alone!’ — Trump Warns Brazil Against ‘Witch Hunt’ of Populist Leader.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: On Monday, President Donald J. Trump cautioned Brazil’s far-left government and judiciary that his administration opposes the ongoing lawfare campaign against populist former President Jair Bolsonaro.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, the Trump administration, and the Brazilian government.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Brazil and the United States, July 7, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!” – President Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: Trump backing Bolsonaro could cause friction between the U.S. and Brazil and bolster Bolsonaro’s supporters.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has defended populist former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, sometimes dubbed the ‘Tropical Trump,’ in a post on his Truth Social platform, calling the charges against him a “witch hunt.” Bolsonaro, who lost reelection in 2022 to the far-left Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—after Bolsonaro’s attempts to do away with voting machine-based elections were blocked—has been banned from seeking office until 2030.

“Brazil is doing a terrible thing on their treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. I have watched, as has the World, as they have done nothing but come after him, day after day, night after night, month after month, year after year!” Trump wrote. He continued, “He is not guilty of anything, except having fought for THE PEOPLE.”

Trump praised Bolsonaro as a “strong Leader” and tough negotiator on trade. “His Election was very close, and now, he is leading in the Polls,” he added. Trump concluded with a direct message: “The Great People of Brazil will not stand for what they are doing to their former President. I’ll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely. The only Trial that should be happening is a Trial by the Voters of Brazil — It’s called an Election. LEAVE BOLSONARO ALONE!”

He also compared the efforts to exclude Bolsonaro from Brazil’s elections to the lawfare campaign against him in 2024, writing, “This is nothing more, or less, than an attack on a Political Opponent — Something I know much about! It happened to me, times 10.”

Brazilian President Lula responded on X, formerly Twitter: “We are a sovereign country. We do not accept interference or guardianship from anyone. We have solid and independent institutions. No one is above the law. Especially those that threaten freedom and the rule of law.” However, whether the Brazilian people are truly sovereign if they are denied the opportunity to vote for Bolsonaro as their preferred candidate is debatable.

Lula had himself been convicted of corruption and was blocked from running in 2018. However, his convictions were overturned in 2021 by a court largely composed of judges appointed by him or his political allies.

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July 3, 2025
News
World

This European NATO Member Just Started Drafting Women.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Mandatory military conscription has been introduced for women as well as men in Denmark, with all over-18s required to enroll in a national service lottery.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Danish Armed Forces, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, and Chief of Defense General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Effective immediately for young women turning 18, across Denmark.

💬KEY QUOTE: “[G]et used to the fact that every citizen capable of bearing arms, and not just men, is obligated to contribute to the defense of the fatherland. – Danish Armed Forces.

🎯IMPACT: The policy expands the recruitment base for Denmark, a NATO and European Union (EU) member, at a time when the West is increasingly close to open conflict with Russia.

IN FULL

Men and women in Denmark are now subject to equal conscription requirements, as the government expands its mandatory military service program in response to what it describes as a deteriorating security situation in Europe.

Young women turning 18 on or after this week will receive “invitations” to attend a military base on Denmark’s national ‘defense day’ for assessment. If deemed fit, they will be entered into a lottery, and those selected will be legally obligated to serve. Previously, conscription applied only to men.

The Danish Armed Forces described the inclusion of women as a “historic change” and warned Danes to “get used to the fact that every citizen capable of bearing arms, and not just men, is obligated to contribute to the defense of the fatherland.” Additionally, chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma no longer automatically disqualify individuals, with assessments now tailored to specific roles within the military.

The length of mandatory service will now be more than twice as long, increasing to 11 months. This will include five months of training followed by six months in active service. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized the seriousness of the European security situation, stating, “A broader basis for recruiting that includes all genders is needed.”

Denmark joins other European nations in revisiting conscription policies. Sweden reinstated the draft in 2017 and included women, citing Russian aggression as a key factor. Norway became the first NATO member to conscript women in 2013, while Germany is reconsidering its decision to end conscription in 2011. The United Kingdom has also faced recruitment challenges, with former Defense Minister Ben Wallace expressing admiration for Sweden’s model.

European states are also now looking to spend more money on their militaries, with many responding to pressure from U.S. President Donald J. Trump to pull their weight more by pledging to increase spending to required NATO minimums or higher. Germany, in particular, has promised billions of dollars towards rearmament amid the ongoing tensions with Russia.

Image via NATO.

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June 30, 2025
News
World

Efforts to Ban Top European Nation’s Populist Opposition Are Forging Ahead.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Germany has launched an effort to ban the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party—the second-most popular party in the country—citing alleged extremism.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, the Federal Constitutional Court, and the AfD.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The SPD’s resolution was adopted during their three-day party congress in Berlin, Germany.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The moment at which domestic intelligence says this is a confirmed right-wing extremist party, there is no more room for tactics.” – Lars Klingbeil

🎯IMPACT: A ban would dissolve the AfD, confiscate its assets, and prohibit its re-establishment.

IN FULL

Germany’s leftist Social Democratic Party (SPD), which led the federal government until May, has officially launched an effort to ban the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. SPD delegates voted unanimously on June 29 to establish a “federal working group” to collect and present evidence of the anti-mass migration party’s alleged extremism, which they claim is already “overwhelming.”

The SPD accused the AfD, which placed second in this year’s federal elections, of undermining Germany’s constitution and eroding democracy, citing the party’s advocacy for “remigration” as a violation of human dignity. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil stated, “Based on historical experience, we have a constitution that provides the necessary instruments.” He added, “The moment at which domestic intelligence says this is a confirmed right-wing extremist party, there is no more room for tactics.”

In Germany, the European Union’s most populous country and top economy, only the Federal Constitutional Court can ban a political party, requiring a two-thirds majority of its Justices. If successful, a ban would dissolve the party, confiscate its assets, and outlaw its symbols and logos. Efforts to re-establish a banned party under a similar name would also be prohibited.

The legal push comes amid growing support for the AfD, particularly in eastern Germany, where recent elections have shown the party gaining significant traction. A recent survey placed the AfD at 32 percent, ahead of the SPD by nine points. Critics argue that the SPD is attempting to ban its political rival rather than compete with it democratically.

The move follows the designation of the AfD as an extremist group by Germany’s intelligence agency, the Bundesamt für Verfassungschutz (BfV), which enabled increased surveillance of the party. Critics, including X CEO Elon Musk, have condemned the proposed ban, labeling it “an extreme attack on democracy.” Newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of the notionally conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), formerly led by Angela Merkel, conceded, “Ten million AfD voters—you can’t ban them. You have to engage with them factually and on substance.”

The BfV decided to pause the classification after the AfD launched a lawsuit to appeal the move. Germany also came under pressure from the Trump administration, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating, “That’s not democracy—it’s tyranny in disguise. What is truly extremist is not the popular AfD—which took second in the recent election—but rather the establishment’s deadly open border immigration policies that the AfD opposes.”

Image by Olaf Kosinsky.

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