The reclassification — AfD was previously designated a “suspected” extremist group — is likely to reignite debate over a political ban on the party.

(CN) — Alternative for Germany, a far-right anti-immigrant party that now tops opinion polls only two months after it scored historic gains in national elections, was classified as a threat to democracy on Friday by the country's domestic intelligence agency.

Several lawmakers from across the political spectrum have been working to get enough support for a ban of the AfD party. The domestic intelligence agency's move to classify the AfD as extremist may give new momentum.