SPD plans quick ban proceedings against the AfD: Danger to democracy!

SPD plans quick ban proceedings against the AfD: Danger to democracy!

The political situation in Germany is currently being determined by the debate about a possible ban against the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The SPD calls for a quick decision on such an application. At the federal party conference in Berlin, not only was a motion passed that supported the preparations for a ban, but Bundestag member Carmen Wegge was also certain: “The AfD represents the greatest threat to democracy.”
This assessment in particular is gaining weight after the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) classified the AfD as definitely right-wing extremist. Despite this classification, the application is on hold for the time being because the party has legally defended itself against this decision, as verfassungsschutz.de reports. The process for banning a party is complex and could only be implemented through a proposal from the federal government, Bundestag or Bundesrat.

The SPD's demand to take immediate steps is supported by the Greens. Together they propose the formation of a federal-state working group to examine the chances of success of a ban procedure and to collect materials. Wegge emphasizes that successful proof in court represents a democratic obligation to submit an application. SPD leader Bärbel Bas is calling for rapid clarification as to whether there is enough reliable material to examine whether the AfD is unconstitutional.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, expresses skepticism about calls for a ban. Applications such as those against the right-wing extremist magazine “Compact” have recently failed at the Federal Administrative Court.

Right-wing extremism and the protection of the constitution

The problem surrounding the AfD fits into a larger context. Annual reports from the BfV and the constitutional protection authorities shed light on efforts that are directed against the basic democratic order. According to reports for 2022, right-wing extremism is showing signs of party fatigue, and right-wing extremist parties are struggling with declining membership numbers and fragile structures. The AfD is classified as a right-wing extremist “suspected case,” a classification that differs from the various state associations.
A particular challenge is presented by the “national settler” movement, which attempts to exert ideological influence on local communities, especially in the northern and eastern German states, as can be seen from the bpb.de.

Society is therefore faced with the question of how to deal with these developments. The trend towards delegitimization of the state and the overlap with right-wing extremist ideologies in protests that are directed against the Corona measures, for example, underline the challenges that need to be overcome. The causes of this phenomenon cannot be clearly determined, but an internationalization of the scene can be seen, with connections to foreign right-wing extremist actors.