National Democratic Party Of Germany
The National Democratic Party of Germany – The People's Union (German: Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschlands – Die Volksunion, NPD), is a far-right German nationalist party. It was founded in 1964 as successor to the German Reich Party (German: Deutsche Reichspartei, DRP). Party statements self-identify the party as Germany's "only significant patriotic force". On 1 January 2011, the far-right German People's Union (German: Deutsche Volksunion) merged with the NPD and the party name of the National Democratic Party of Germany was extended by the addition of "The People's Union".
The party is usually described as a neo-Nazi organization, and is known as "the most significant neo-Nazi party to emerge after 1945". The German Federal Agency for Civic Education, or BPB, has criticized the NPD for working with members of organizations which were later found unconstitutional by the federal courts and disbanded, while the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, classifies the NPD as a "threat to the constitutional order" because of its platform and philosophy, and it is under their observation. The NPD rejects this depiction, viewing it an attempt to discredit their politics. An effort to outlaw the party failed in 2003.
It is currently represented in two of Germany's sixteen state parliaments, with no seats at the federal level. Udo Voigt led the NPD from 1996 to 2011. He has been succeeded by Holger Apfel.
Read more about National Democratic Party Of Germany: Platform and Philosophy, International Connections, Party Leaders of NPD
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