Call for AfD Ban: SPD in Berlin Pushes for Legal Action Against Radical Right-Wing Party
Berlin Social Democratic Party (SPD) advocates imposing a ban on Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. - Berlin Social Democratic Party advocates for the prohibition of Alternative for Germany
The Berlin SPD executive board is urging preparations for a potential ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Following the AfD's classification as undeniably far-right by the domestic intelligence service (BfV), SPD state chairwoman Nicola Böcker-Giannini called for immediate federal council initiative if the court upholds the classification.
Martin Hikel, co-state chairman of the SPD, noted previous judgments by the constitutional protection authorities have stood up in court. He sees the radicalization of the AfD as a critical factor in the possible initiation of a party ban procedure.
Hikel emphasized that the doors of democracy will never be closed, and voters have a voice within the democratic system. This call to action comes after the BfV's recent classification of the AfD as a right-wing extremist group. The AfD, in turn, has filed a lawsuit against this designation.
The ban process under German law requires proof that a group actively seeks to undermine Germany’s democratic order per Article 21(2) of the Basic Law. Surveillance data from the BfV serves as the evidentiary backbone. Yet, the Federal Constitutional Court is the only authority to impose a ban, and petitions can be filed by the federal government, Bundestag, or Bundesrat.
If the ban is successful, the party stands to lose state funding and face restrictions on public campaigning. However, a failed attempt might embolden the AfD, and potential backlash could lead to increased public sympathy for the party. A successful ban would set a striking precedent in stricter anti-extremism enforcement, marking the first ban since 1956 (KPD).
Challenges include the high burden of proof required by courts and political will from Chancellor Scholz’s coalition, which has shown reluctance to pursue bans, focusing instead on counter-campaigns. The success of the SPD's call to action will depend on coordination across the Bundestag’s political factions.
- The SPD in Berlin advocates for legal action against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, urging preparations for a potential ban due to the party's classification as undeniably far-right by the domestic intelligence service (BfV).
- Martin Hikel, co-state chairman of the SPD, points out that previous judgments by the constitutional protection authorities have stood up in court, suggesting a possible initiation of a party ban procedure due to the AfD's radicalization.
- Hikel stresses that the doors of democracy will never be closed and emphasizes the right of voters to have a voice within the democratic system, as part of this call to action following the BfV's recent classification of the AfD as a right-wing extremist group.
- The AfD, in response, has filed a lawsuit against this designation, and a successful ban would set a precedent in stricter anti-extremism enforcement, marking the first ban since 1956 (KPD), while a failed attempt could embolden the AfD and potentially lead to increased public sympathy for the party.
