Two co-operative banks in East Westphalia, Germany, have closed the accounts of the local Alternative for Germany (AfD) chapter, which the party claims is politically motivated. The banks cited banking secrecy laws and confirmed the closures without providing specific reasons. The AfD has faced similar account terminations from other banks in the past, leading to accusations of 'de-banking' against them. The German Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization, influencing how banks and companies interact with them. Despite these closures, public-law institutions like Sparkassen are required to maintain accounts for political parties. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)