The premier of Lower Saxony, Olaf Lies, has called for a coordinated effort between the federal government and state governments to counter internal threats to the stability of the state. In an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” Lies emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating his “strong request” to Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt and his counterparts in other states to develop a strategy that safeguards democracy from such challenges. He underscored the importance of proactive measures, referencing historical lessons that highlight the potential consequences of delayed action.
Lies’ remarks follow increasing scrutiny surrounding the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. He indicated that should courts uphold the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution’s designation of the AfD as a “reliably right-wing extremist” organization, the initiation of proceedings for a potential ban would become unavoidable. Addressing the newspaper, Lies stated that such action would be necessary to protect the foundations of the liberal democratic order. He stressed that decisive steps may be required to uphold the core principles of the state.