The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) faces scrutiny over its decision to delay the publication of a new assessment of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Originally planned for release this year, the assessment has been postponed until after the upcoming Bundestag elections, now scheduled for February 2025. This delay has sparked debate, with constitutional lawyer Ulrich Battis arguing that the BfV should not withhold its findings due to the election.

He emphasizes that the agency has a legal obligation to inform the public about extremist activities.

Despite the delay, the AfD remains under observation as a suspected right-wing extremist group.

The decision to postpone has been justified by the need for caution during election periods, but critics argue that transparency should not be compromised.