Straight Talk on AfD Ban Proposals: Protecting the Rule of Law Matters
Unfounded claims of suppressing the AfD: the importance of preserving legal order in politics - Deception over AfD Ban: Upholding Legal Integrity in Politics
Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony and SPD politician, backs an AfD ban process if the conditions for unconstitutional activities are met - but cautions that such decisions must be based on a thorough analysis. In an interview with the German Press Agency, he insisted, "This is a high hurdle, but if it can be realistically reached, politics is obligated to act."
He added, "We then bear the responsibility to guarantee that such a party is banned or at least deprived of public funding. This responsibility stems from our commitment to uphold the rule of law." Lies identified key conditions as the party aiming to abolish fundamental elements of the liberal democratic order with determined intensity and the likelihood of its unconstitutional activities being successful.
Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a CSU politician, raised concerns about a ban procedure, likening it to a "rude awakening" for those who expect a legal defeat of the AfD. Rather than opting for a legal elimination of political competition, Dobrindt favors a strategic political defeat of the AfD.
Lies highlighted the need for a reinforced and more trustworthy politics to counter the AfD's growing popularity. "The AfD enjoys high support ratings, in part because some citizens have lost faith in democratic parties," said Lies. In his view, a fresh, constructive approach to politics is crucial. "It's all about how we as a society remain united and find common ground despite the current division."
Lies acknowledges reasons for the AfD's surge, particularly among workers who were once loyal SPD voters, in people's fears about the future. "But we will not stand still in the face of change," he said, emphasizing the need for adaptation in the economy, greater digitalization, and societal transformation. "However, politics must demonstrate that its solutions work, for instance, through markets for green steel and electric vehicles, to ensure citizens believe this necessary path of carbon reduction will lead to a better tomorrow."
The AfD in Lower Saxony has been under suspicion by the BfV since May 2022, and the classification of the party as a right-wing extremist endeavor is currently being challenged in court. On May 5th, 2025, 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.
The Importance of the Rule of Law:
Olaf Lies consistently prioritizes adhering to the rule of law in dealing with the AfD ban question, emphasizing that any political action against the party must respect constitutional norms and abide by legal procedures. This stance reflects his commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
- AfD
- Olaf Lies
- Lower Saxony
- Rule of Law
- SPD
- Alexander Dobrindt
- German Press Agency
- Party Financing
- Constitution Protection Report
- In his commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, Olaf Lies, as Minister-President of Lower Saxony and SPD politician, advocates for a thorough analysis before initiating an AfD ban process, ensuring that any political action adheres to constitutional norms and legal procedures.
- The AfD's growing popularity, particularly among workers who were once loyal SPD voters, stems from people's fears about the future. In response, Olaf Lies emphasizes the need for adaptation in the economy, greater digitalization, and societal transformation to address these concerns and demonstrate that political solutions work.
- Concerns about a ban procedure on the AfD were raised by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who prefers a strategic political defeat of the party rather than a legal elimination of political competition. This approach aims to counter the AfD's influence while respecting democratic principles and the rule of law.
