A bipartisan group of parliamentarians submitted a proposal in November to ban the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, citing its rising popularity and alleged threat to democracy.
According to Die Zeit, the German parliament may debate a motion to ban the right-wing AfD party as early as next week. A cross-party group of lawmakers initiated the motion, arguing that the AfD’s platform contradicts the German constitution and endangers the nation’s democratic system.
Founded in 2013, the AfD currently holds approximately 20% support in polls, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 16%, but trailing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at 31%.
In 2021, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, classified the AfD as a potentially extremist organization due to its stance on immigration.
The motion, introduced in November by a coalition of 113 lawmakers—primarily from the Green Party, along with 31 from the SPD and six from the CDU—seeks Bundestag approval to initiate proceedings against the AfD in the Federal Constitutional Court.
The group alleges the AfD has denigrated the human dignity of migrants and LGBTQ+ individuals. CDU MP Marco Wanderwitz urged immediate action against the AfD, citing its perceived “further radicalization.”
A December INSA poll for Bild showed AfD co-leader Alice Weidel leading the race for chancellor with 24% support.
However, even if the AfD were to win the most seats in a snap election on February 23rd, all major German parties have ruled out coalition talks with them, making their ascent to power improbable.
After being nominated as the AfD’s first-ever chancellor candidate this month, Weidel pledged to restore the damaged Nord Stream pipelines, implement stricter immigration policies, and eliminate green initiatives should her party win.
Last month, the 45-year-old also opposed continued military aid to Ukraine.
Around the same time, AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla questioned NATO’s continued relevance to Germany.
The AfD has also proposed holding referendums on leaving the European Union and the Eurozone.