German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has left the door open to a possible ban of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In an interview with the Rheinische Post, Hubig stated, “I’m not ruling it out. Nobody should be exempt from it.”
While the minister acknowledged that the hurdles for a ban are high, she emphasized the need to carefully evaluate the Verfassungsschutz’s report and assess whether the AfD party actively and deliberately undermines the free democratic order. If the circumstances for a ban are met, Hubig believes that the responsible parties – the Bundestag, the Bundesrat and the federal government – must not hesitate to initiate a ban procedure.
Hubig also emphasized that a ban cannot be solely based on political reasons, citing the AfD’s potential to garner 20% or more in polls and its ability to portray itself as a victim. “For me, it is clear: we cannot dismiss a ban procedure solely due to political reasons, just because the AfD is polling at 20% or more and may once again portray itself as a victim” she said.