Following the classification of the AfD as “definitely right-wing extremist” by the Verfassungsschutz, the discussion on potentially banning the party has gained momentum in the federal states. In addition to the Bundestag and the federal government, the federal states – through the Bundesrat – also have the possibility to file a ban request. Ultimately, the decision on the constitutionality of a party is made by the Federal Constitutional Court after a request.
Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President, Daniel Günther, is calling for a ban procedure against the AfD, but sees the federal government as responsible. “The federal government must now initiate a ban procedure promptly to protect our democracy” said the CDU politician to the “Spiegel” on Friday. The AfD has been showing “for a long time no doubt about its anti-constitutional disposition.” Therefore, the assessment by the Verfassungsschutz is “not surprising, but it brings clarity” Günther said. The party is “a threat to our free democratic basic order and it endangers our social peace.”
Berlin’s Justice Senator, Felor Badenberg (CDU), welcomes the classification of the entire AfD as definitely right-wing extremist. “A ban procedure is not necessarily the consequence of this classification” she said to the “Stern.” The decision to initiate lies “with the competent constitutional organs and is a political decision” said the former Verfassungsschützer. “The assessment by the Verfassungsschutz will play a decisive role.”
Badenberg herself had previously pushed for the classification of the AfD as a right-wing extremist suspect in the Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution and was the last vice-president of the agency. “The suspicion has been confirmed: the Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution has classified the AfD as definitely right-wing extremist” said the current Justice Senator. “This assessment brings clarity for all parties involved and is a consequence of the increasing radicalization of the party in recent years.”
Thuringia’s Minister of the Interior, Georg Maier (SPD), is also calling for a ban procedure. “I expected this classification of the AfD” he said to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Saturday editions). “And I find it right. The evidence is overwhelming. Now is the time for a ban procedure.” Maier also wants the federal government to take the initiative. “I would urge the federal government to seriously consider this issue and decide whether to initiate a ban procedure. We in Thuringia are prepared and able to provide comprehensive material.”
For a successful ban procedure, three prerequisites must be met, the SPD politician explained. A party must violate the dignity of human beings, be powerful enough to implement its goals and aggressively fight against the democratic rule of law. All three prerequisites are met in this case.
Düsseldorf’s Opposition Leader and SPD parliamentary group leader, Jochen Ott, sees an increased likelihood of a ban procedure. For almost eight years, no parliamentary week has passed without the AfD faction making racist, anti-democratic, or degrading attacks. “This has not normalized, it is getting worse” said Ott to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition). “In this regard, I believe a ban procedure becomes more likely every day.”
The SPD parliamentary group in Bavaria called for a procedure. The AfD rejects the Basic Law and poses a danger to democracy. “I expect that we will now quickly initiate a ban procedure against the AfD” said Fraktion chief Holger Grießhammer.
The Free Voters of Rhineland-Palatinate see in the decision of the Verfassungsschutz to classify the AfD as definitely right-wing extremist a clear sign of the party’s radicalization. At the same time, they warn against symbolic politics and blanket rhetoric on banning. “We clearly reject a blanket ban mentality” Land President Christian Zöpfchen said. Many citizens perceive the classification of the AfD as interference and mistrust in the will of the voter. A party ban would also have extremely high constitutional hurdles. A ban discourse would play into the hands of the AfD, as they could portray themselves as victims of state tyranny.
The head of the BSW parliamentary group in Saxony, Sabine Zimmermann, stated that discussions on banning are, in her opinion, counterproductive. The strength of the AfD can be traced back to poor politics over the past 15 years. Problems in areas such as education, health and migration have intensified and must be addressed.
Nordrhein-Westfalia’s Minister President, Hendrik Wüst, did not speak of initiating a ban procedure, but characterized the AfD as the main opponent of all democratic parties. “The classification is a very clear professional assessment that all democratic forces must deal with” said the CDU politician to the “Spiegel.” “To deprive the AfD of its existence, is the central task of all democrats. This can be achieved best by solving the problems of people – in a practical, well-founded and effective way.” He is convinced that the new federal government will take up this task boldly.
Nordrhein-Westfalia’s deputy Minister President, Mona Neubaur (Grüne), referred to the constitutional means against enemies of the constitution without, however, explicitly mentioning the possibility of a party ban provided for in Article 21. “Our freedom manifesto, the Basic Law, was provided with robust protection mechanisms by its mothers and fathers” she said to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition). “We are capable of defending ourselves – and should now show this.” It is time that democracy showed its teeth to those who wanted to destroy it. “Clearly, there is a great dissatisfaction among the population and many problems have not been tackled or resolved in the past decades. This must change.” The citizens must again experience a functioning state. “Regardless, anyone who now politically normalizes the AfD is at least naive – or does not object to their radical, degrading and anti-democratic fantasies.”
Nordrhein-Westfalia’s Interior Minister, Herbert Reul (CDU), characterized the classification of the AfD as “definitely right-wing extremist” as “necessary and right.” “This classification is not surprising” he said to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Saturday editions). “It is the logical consequence of many existing court decisions – including the judgment of the Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia.” The court had, after a long examination of the available evidence, confirmed the assessments of the Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution. “The official classification of such a party is a necessary and right step to protect our coexistence. Those who systematically incite hatred against human dignity and the rule of law must no longer operate behind a facade of civicness. The Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution fulfills its task by making the threat of this party visible.”
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