A recent survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute for Demographic Research, commissioned by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, reveals that a majority of German citizens oppose a ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The poll, which questioned 1,054 individuals between July 4th and 16th, found that 52% of respondents are against such a prohibition, while only 27% support it. Opposition is particularly strong in eastern Germany, where two-thirds of those surveyed expressed resistance to a ban.
The study attributes this sentiment to several factors. A significant reason cited is familiarity with individuals who sympathize with the AfD. The survey indicates that 67% of those in western Germany and a substantial 88% in eastern Germany know someone who supports the party. This personal connection shapes perceptions, as while 54% of the population considers the AfD itself to be right-wing extremist, only 5% believe the individuals they personally know to be involved with the party hold such views.
Furthermore, the survey suggests that many respondents suspect parties advocating for an AfD ban are motivated by a desire to eliminate a political competitor that has become too prominent.
The survey also indicates a widespread skepticism regarding the effectiveness of a ban. A majority (54%) believes that a new party with a similar political alignment would quickly emerge to replace the AfD. Participants expressed concern that any ban would simply shift the political landscape rather than address underlying sentiments.
Interestingly, the survey highlights a growing level of conviction among potential AfD voters. Where only one-third expressed confidence in the party just two years ago, that figure has risen to 50% today.
The German constitution (Article 21) deems parties unconstitutional if their stated goals or the actions of their supporters are geared towards undermining or abolishing the democratic basic order or endangering the existence of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Federal Constitutional Court holds the authority to rule on the legality of party bans.