A coalition of German parliamentarians is pushing for a legal investigation into the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party due to concerns about its constitutionality. SPD politician Carmen Wegge leads the charge, highlighting the potential threat the party poses to democracy. The Federal Constitutional Court is tasked with determining if the AfD undermines Germany's democratic order or threatens the nation's stability.
The AfD's ties to far-right and radical groups, evidenced by connections to a terrorist organization and incidents in the Thuringian state parliament, have raised alarm. The Higher Administrative Court of Münster has classified the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist entity. Despite these concerns, the party holds significant political positions, including district administrators and mayors.
Research indicates that AfD voters generally support democracy, yet a potential ban looms if the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or Federal Government formally request it from the Constitutional Court. A ban would result in the AfD losing its seats in the European Parliament and local councils, and its assets would be seized. Successor organizations would also face restrictions.
Amidst these developments, public support for banning the AfD remains uncertain. Key figures like Chancellor Scholz and CDU and CSU leaders express skepticism. Nevertheless, Wegge argues the increasing radicalization of the AfD justifies immediate action. The debate continues as the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution considers elevating the party's threat level by December.
