The Kremlin said on Monday that Germany's decision to classify the Alternative for Germany party as an "extremist" entity is a restrictive measure against European non-mainstream forces.

Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has been designated as right-wing extremist by the country's federal office for the protection of the constitution.

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