Report Raises Concerns Over Firearms Restrictions Tied to AfD
The regional Interior Ministry acknowledged the existence of the measure, introduced in July, but declined to make it public, describing it as an “internal document.”
The development comes as polling data suggests the AfD could secure around 27% of the vote if elections were held now. The party has built its platform around opposition to immigration policies, as well as criticism of Berlin’s stance on sanctions against Russia and its support for Ukraine.
In December 2023, the AfD’s branch in Saxony was classified as a “confirmed right-wing extremist” organization by regional intelligence services, a designation that underpins the directive. Although the party contested the label, a higher court dismissed its appeal in January 2025. The matter later escalated nationally when Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution applied the same classification to the party as a whole in May.
According to reports, the directive begins by stating that “the reliability of members and supporters [of AfD] under weapons law must be reviewed,” effectively introducing a presumption that such individuals may not meet the requirements to possess firearms.
This approach shifts the burden onto individuals, requiring them to prove their eligibility under weapons regulations. The document reportedly indicates that a clean criminal record alone is not sufficient, and that applicants may need to demonstrate a clear separation from the party’s positions.
The policy has triggered political scrutiny, with an inquiry initiated by independent Saxony lawmaker Matthias Berger. He is seeking clarification on how many licenses have been revoked, whether decisions were made solely on the basis of political “support,” and how widely the directive is being enforced.
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