Germany's foreign ministry has hit back at U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after he criticized the decision to classify the Alternative for Germany party as a "right-wing extremist" organization.

Far-right parties have been gaining ground across Europe and the AfD attracts international attention, including support from billionaire Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance.

The designation is certain to inflame debates over whether the party should be banned, though some polls show it to be the most popular in the country.