Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party disputes its designation as a "right-wing extremist" party by the domestic intelligence agency. An AfD spokeswoman told AFP the party is challenging the BfV intelligence agency's designation in court the day before incoming conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz is due to take office. The BfV said on Friday it considered the AfD a "confirmed" right-wing extremist group, citing "xenophobic, anti-minority, Islamophobic and anti-Muslim statements made by leading party officials". The classification will help authorities seek greater powers to monitor the party with phone taps and undercover agents, and has fuelled fresh calls for an outright ban on the AfD.utright ban on the AfD. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES