AfD Unfazed by "Compact" Ruling, Secures Constitutional Legitimacy
No grounds for party ban after 'Compact' ruling, as per AfD's stance
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The Alternative for Germany (AfD) feels their constitutional legitimacy bolstered, with no apparent grounds for a party ban, following the judicial overturn of the ban on the far-right magazine "Compact". "We're solidly within the norm," declares Hans-Christoph Berndt, chairman of the AfD parliamentary group in Brandenburg. "There's no basis for a party ban for the AfD."
The Administrative Court of Germany annulled an Interior Ministry ban dating back to summer 2024. The magazine can now continue its publication per the ruling. Albeit detecting unconstitutional activities, the court perceived them as non-decisive. The ministry had labeled the magazine as "the primary voice of the far-right faction."
The AfD deems its immigration policy further legitimized by the court's decision. "Criticizing immigration rights is entirely constitutional at first," asserts Berndt. "We feel emboldened in our stance by this verdict."
A flurry of calls for a ban procedure against the AfD gained momentum after the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution categorized the party as a secure right-wing extremist venture. Yet, the categorization is currently on hold due to the AfD's legal proceedings.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
Enrichment Data:- AfD Ban Process Stasis: As of June 2025, a party ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) remains undecided, distinct from the "Compact" magazine ban developments.- Current AfD Classification: As tagged by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) in May 2025, the AfD is classified as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" endeavor.- German Government Restrictions: Consequently, authorities may enforce increased surveillance and potentially diminish public funding, while initiating dialogue on the possibility of banning the party.- Public and Political Opinion: While some states consider restricting AfD members from public employment, public consensus is split—with 48% supporting a ban and 61% branding the AfD as "right-wing extremist"[1].- Legal Disputes: The AfD contests the BfV classification, asserting it contradicts the German constitution, prompting an ongoing legal battle[1][2].
Summary:
| Topic | Current Status (June 2025) ||-------|----------------------------|| AfD Ban | Not enacted; classification still in effect || AfD Classification | "Confirmed right-wing extremist" (BfV) || AfD Legal Challenge | In-process in court || Compact Magazine Ban | Lifted by court || State-level AfD Restrictions | Considering member job limitations |
In brief, the AfD has not been banned in Germany. The BfV's extremist classification of the party holds significance but is currently under legal review, hence putting banning or imposing major legal constraints on hold[1][2][3].
In light of the Administrative Court's ruling, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) stands firm in their constitutional legitimacy, as no party ban is imminent, despite the categorization of the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" endeavor by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). Simultaneously, the magazine "Compact" can resume its publication without fear of a ban, though the AfD's immigration policies have gained further legitimacy from this court decision. The AfD's legal challenge against the BfV's classification is ongoing, and some states are considering restricting AfD members from public employment, while others remain divided [1][2][3].
