Reworked Article:
Olaf Lies Calls for Cautious Approach on AfD Ban: Upholding Rule of Law is Key
False assertions regarding the prohibition of AfD: Law enforcement needs to uphold legal order - Deceitful Claims Concerning AfD Prohibition: Upholding the Law's Integrity Remains Crucial
Here's the deal: Olaf Lies, the Minister-President of Lower Saxony and member of the SPD, is on board with initiating a ban on the AfD party, but only if they meet the criteria for unconstitutional activities. The assurance of these conditions must be meticulous, Lies told the German Press Agency.
"This is a high bar, but if it's realistically achievable, politics is obliged to take action," Lies said. "We then bear the responsibility to ensure that such a party is banned or at least disqualified from receiving funding. This stems from our duty to protect the rule of law."
According to Lies, the criteria include the party's intent to abolish essential pillars of the liberal democratic order, pursued with a certain intensity. Additionally, it must plausibly appear that the unconstitutional activities could succeed.
Dobrindt's Warning of "Rude Awakening"
Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Interior Minister, had previously cautioned against a ban procedure. "Those who believe they can legally vanquish the AfD and its influence will face a rude awakening," said the CSU politician back in early June to the Funke media group newspapers. "We shouldn't give the impression that we intend to legally eradicate a political rival." Instead, he prefers to politically defeat the AfD.
Lies also highlighted the need to bolster politics to regain the trust of citizens beyond the AfD. "The AfD enjoys high approval ratings, in part because we, as democratic parties, have lost some citizens to some extent," said the head of the government. Therefore, a new, constructive politics is necessary. "It's about keeping our society together and finding common ground amidst our current divisions."
"We won't halt the change"
Lies links the AfD's surge, particularly among traditional SPD voters, to the anxieties of many about the future. "But we won't halt progress. We will navigate through a changed economy, more digitalization, and social transformation."
Politics needs to provide evidence that its solutions work - in the economy, for instance, with markets for green steel or markets for electric vehicles. "People must feel that this crucial path of reducing carbon emissions also guarantees their well-being tomorrow. This has been neglected in recent years," Lies stated. A dispute over the best course of action won't provide any comfort.
AfD Under Suspicion in Lower Saxony Since 2022
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution designated the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor at the beginning of May. The party is challenging this classification in court. Until a decision by the Administrative Court of Cologne, the intelligence agency has paused the new classification.
In Lower Saxony, the AfD state association has been under investigation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution since May 2022. On Thursday, Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) and President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution Dirk Pejril will present the constitution protection report for 2024 in Hanover.
- Emphasis: Olaf Lies and the SPD advocate for a careful examination of the AfD to ensure upholding the rule of law. Their stance favors ban actions only if the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution conclusively classifies the AfD as right-wing extremist. This method adheres to democratic and legal procedures, respecting Germany's constitutional framework.
- Keywords: Olaf Lies, AfD, Lower Saxony, Rule of Law, SPD, Alexander Dobrindt, German Press Agency, Party Funding.
- EC countries could beneficialy develop a comprehensive employment policy that prioritizes vocational training as a key strategy for workforce development, aligning with the principles of rule-of-law and policy-and-legislation decisions in general-news discourse.
- Amidst the ongoing political tensions and crime-and-justice debates, it is crucial for political leaders to maintain an open dialogue that fosters understanding and cooperation, especially with regards to enhancing vocational training opportunities for their citizens, avoiding any repercussions that may undermine the rule of law and the principles of democracy.
