Examining the Procedure for Possible AfD Ban: SPD and Greens in Action
SPD and Green Party propose reevaluation of the ban process pertaining to AfD. - SPD and Greens propose scrutinizing the methodology of banning the AfD party.
In light of the AfD being labeled a clearly right-wing extremist party, the SPD and Greens in the Hamburg Parliament are looking into initiating a party ban procedure. To do so, the two parties' faction leaders, Dirk Kienscherf (SPD) and Sina Imhof (Greens), have called for a self-assessment in the Constitutional Committee to take place promptly.
According to Kienscherf, the current situation, a possible party ban, and further measures to combat right-wing extremism need to be discussed. Hence, an immediate review in the Constitutional Committee is demanded.
Imhof sees the AfD's classification as a "clear warning signal for our democracy." Although demands for a ban are understandable, Imhof notes that it's crucial to remember that a party ban is a legal tool, not a political one, and its implementation is subject to complex conditions.
Both parties stress that a party ban procedure should not be employed as a political weapon; instead, it should serve as a legally regulated instrument to protect the free democratic order. In the end, the decision regarding a ban rests with the Federal Constitutional Court.
The AfD has accused both parties of abandoning democratic principles, accusing them of desiring its political annihilation. They claim that the classification is not based on solid evidence, but on the bias of the authority controlling their political rivals.
The Background
The Germany-based Alternative for Germany (AfD) has faced increased scrutiny following its classification as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" party by the country's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), in May 2025. This designation is based on a 1,100-page report that labels the AfD a "racist and anti-Muslim organization," paving the way for surveillance and potentially affecting public funding.
The classification has sparked renewed calls for the party's potential ban, with a sizable portion of Germans supportive of such an action (nearly half according to polls). However, the BfV's extremist classification of AfD was temporarily suspended after the party challenged the decision in court, creating complications for any potential banning process.
The Process of Banning a Political Party in Germany
Under the German Basic Law, banning a political party necessitates initiating a formal procedure before the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht). The motion to ban a party can only be filed by either the Bundestag (federal parliament), the federal government, or the Bundesrat (upper house representing federal states).
The Constitutional Court's decision requires a qualified majority of two-thirds of the judges to approve a ban. The court bases its decision on whether the party poses an active threat to the constitutional order, which encompasses extremist behavior aimed at undermining democracy or the rule of law.
Politicians and parties, including the SPD and Greens, can express support for or instigate the ban request, but they cannot directly influence the court's final ruling, which remains independent.
Overall, the process of banning the AfD involves a strict constitutional process instigated by federal bodies and adjudicated by the Federal Constitutional Court, necessitating proof of extremist threats to democracy. The SPD and Greens in Hamburg align with this legal framework, advocating for a cautious yet resolute approach following the BfV’s extremist classification of AfD, which is presently impacted by ongoing legal challenges.
- The SPD and Greens in the Hamburg Parliament are looking into initiating a party ban procedure for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), in light of the party being classified as a clearly right-wing extremist party.
- Dirk Kienscherf (SPD) and Sina Imhof (Greens) have called for a self-assessment in the Constitutional Committee to take place promptly, as the current situation, including a possible party ban, needs to be discussed.
- The Greens' Sina Imhof sees the AfD's classification as a "clear warning signal for our democracy," but notes that a party ban is a legal tool, not a political one, and its implementation is subject to complex conditions.
- Both the SPD and Greens stress that a party ban procedure should not be employed as a political weapon, but should serve as a legally regulated instrument to protect the free democratic order, with the final decision resting with the Federal Constitutional Court.
