Shunning the AfD: Green Party's Response to Right-Wing Extremist Label
Lack of Collaboration with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party - Refusal of Collaboration by Schellhammer Towards AfD
In the wake of the AfD being classified as a firmly right-wing extremist organization by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the Greens in Rhineland-Palatinate are demanding action. Chairwoman and parliamentary business manager of the Green state parliament faction, Pia Schellhammer, and Carl-Bernhard von Heusinger, have made it clear that collaboration with the AfD must cease across all levels, from state parliaments to municipal councils and the Bundestag.
Schellhammer demands no ties with the AfD
According to Schellhammer, this prohibition should extend beyond the state parliament to municipal councils and the Bundestag. To safeguard our democracy, it's essential that we consistently exclude the AfD from committee chairs, leadership positions, and other representative roles. The municipalities also have the power to deny the AfD beyond council work, with Schellhammer warning against renting rooms to enemies of the constitution.
Heusinger calls for investigation of AfD members in state service
Heusinger, serving as parliamentary business manager and interior policy spokesman for the Green faction, has urged the state government to immediately investigate the continued employment of AfD members within the state services. In his view, anyone associated with a securely right-wing extremist party should be barred from teaching children in schools, serving as police officers, and representing the state in any capacity.
Schellhammer advocates for swift ban of the AfD
Schellhammer also reiterated her call for a swift ban procedure against the AfD. The party represents a direct threat to the liberal-democratic basic order, in her opinion. She encouraged all democrats to stand strong and resolute in defense of our democracy.
Insights
- Political Isolation: The AfD may face isolation as other political parties avoid collaborating with them, hindering their ability to form coalitions and participate in decision-making processes.
- Public Funding: The BfV's classification could lead to a reduction or cessation of public funding for the AfD, affecting their ability to campaign effectively and maintain their political presence.
- Public Perception: The "right-wing extremist" label may result in increased public scrutiny, negative perception, and lower public acceptance of the AfD, potentially impacting their voter base.
- Ban Possibilities: While not immediate, the classification could pave the way for attempts to ban the party, which would have severe consequences for members and supporters.
- Legal Action: The AfD has already filed a lawsuit against the BfV, which could lead to protracted legal battles that could shape the party's political and legal standing.
- Local Implications: In local parliaments and councils, other parties might hesitate to partner with the AfD, affecting governance and decision-making processes in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Federal Implications: In the Bundestag, the AfD's extremist status could exacerbate political discord and increase tensions between the AfD and other parties.
- The Greens in Rhineland-Palatinate have called for the exclusion of the AfD across all levels of politics, including state parliaments, municipal councils, and the Bundestag, as a means to safeguard democracy.
- Green Party representative Pia Schellhammer advocates for barring the AfD from committee chairs, leadership positions, and other representative roles, as well as denying them access to resources like rental rooms.
- Carl-Bernhard von Heusinger, another Green Party representative, has urged the state government to investigate continued employment of AfD members within state services, with a view to barring them from roles such as teaching in schools and serving as police officers.
- Should the AfD face legal action or a potential ban, it may lead to a loss of public funding, public support, and resources, further isolating the party and challenging their viability in the political landscape.
