A German political party’s decision to prepare a ban procedure against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has sparked a mix of praise and criticism within the political spectrum.
The head of the Middle Class and Industry Union, Gitta Connemann, has expressed concerns about the potential outcome of a ban, stating that the AfD would likely use the move as a rallying cry for their narrative of persecution. Instead, she advocates for a better political approach to migration, security and the economy, which would resonate with the public and businesses.
The Christian Democratic Employees’ Association of Germany, a CDU-affiliated group, welcomed the SPD’s decision, with its leader, Dennis Radtke, saying that the AfD must be fought with all the means of the rule of law. He emphasized that, despite the need to combat the AfD, the center of the political spectrum must also address the problems and provide answers to the crisis of trust, as a significant portion of the German population has lost faith in state institutions.
Philipp Türmer, the leader of the Young Socialists, is optimistic about the chances of a successful ban procedure against the AfD, citing the overwhelming evidence against the party. He believes that all democratic forces in the country should now take a stance against the AfD, with the SPD committed to pushing for the ban in both the federal and state governments.