Brandenburg's Interior Minister Katrin Lange is facing criticism over the recent dismissal of the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the classification of the AfD as an extremist right-wing party. The SPD faction is demanding transparency and clarity to address the political tensions arising from these decisions. Reports suggest Lange may have been informed about the re-evaluation of the AfD earlier than she admitted.
The SPD stands by Lange but supports examining a potential AfD ban, advocating for the independence of the constitutional protection office. However, opinions within the SPD vary, and coalition partner BSW opposes a ban, arguing it won't address the root causes of the AfD's success.
Meanwhile, the AfD has legally contested its classification, urging the Interior Ministry to retract the decision publicly. The release of a confidential report labeling the AfD as "securely right-wing extremist" has fueled further debate. Critics call for open discussion, while the AfD seeks to challenge its extremism classification in court. This situation places political pressure on Brandenburg's leadership, particularly affecting Minister President Dietmar Woidke, who supports Lange amidst this controversy.
