Following the classification of the AfD as a certain extremist party by the Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution, the Greens and the Left Party are calling for an end to state funding for the AfD. “Democracy cannot allow a party that seeks its own abolition to be funded from the state’s coffers” said Clara Bünger, a politician for the Left Party, to the “Tagesspiegel” (Monday edition).
The Bundestag representative believes that the legal framework for a successful court case before the Federal Constitutional Court is in place. “The Bundestag must now also have the courage to initiate such a process” said Bünger.
Similarly, Marcel Emmerich, the internal affairs spokesperson for the Bundestag fraction of the Greens, said, “The withdrawal of state funds would be an option for sanctioning, although this is also very demanding.” He also called for a cross-party initiative for a ban on the AfD to protect democracy. “With this, the Federal Constitutional Court can examine the constitutionality of the AfD. This instrument is part of our robust democracy and must now be used consistently” said Emmerich.
Alexander Throm, the internal affairs spokesperson for the CDU/CSU fraction, was more cautious, saying, “In every respect, a critical approach to the AfD is necessary.” However, he does not believe that state funds should be cut off from the party. “As long as the AfD participates in elections, it is entitled to the corresponding state subsidies. Nothing more” said Throm. He also doubts a ban on the AfD: “The AfD must be politically opposed.