Gauck vs. Göring-Eckardt: Arguing about the AfD ban and saving democracy!

Gauck vs. Göring-Eckardt: Arguing about the AfD ban and saving democracy!

In the current debate about a possible ban on the AfD, two influential politicians from East Germany, both of whom played an important role during the transition, are expressing different points of view. Joachim Gauck, former Federal President, warns of the consequences of a ban and emphasizes the importance of a dialogue with the conservative part of the electorate.

On the other side is Katrin Göring-Eckardt, Bundestag Vice President of the Green Party, who believes that considering a ban is necessary, especially in view of the latest political developments in Thuringia. She told the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that it was her duty, as a member of a constitutional body, to investigate possible unconstitutional behavior by the party. “Especially after the events in Thuringia, I think it is right to examine whether the AfD as a whole is violating our constitution,” said Göring-Eckardt.

Different perspectives on the AfD

Göring-Eckardt also raises critical voices to demand that the AfD could disenchant itself if it governs. “The AfD would use its power to undermine our basic democratic order,” she warned, recalling that she took to the streets in 1989 to fight for democracy.

In contrast, Gauck said in an interview with the “Funke Media Group” that he did not support a ban. “My gut feeling would be to grant the party the ban, […] but in politics you can’t just feel,” said the 84-year-old. He fears that a ban would not only fail to eliminate the AfD's voter base, but would actually lead to even more anger and radicalism among supporters.

Gauck makes it clear that conservative citizens who do not feel represented by politicians could perceive the state as an enemy in the event of a ban. “We should rely less on government intervention,” he added, “but rather strengthen our own ability to defend democracy.”

It should be noted that a ban on a party can only be applied to the Federal Constitutional Court by the Bundestag, the Bundesrat or the Federal Government. For such a ban, the AfD would have to be proven to be acting aggressively against the constitution. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has already classified the party as a suspected right-wing extremist case.

The different positions of Gauck and Göring-Eckardt reflect the complexity of the current political landscape and show how important it is to both defend democratic values ​​and listen to the concerns of the electorate. At a time when political divisions are becoming increasingly clear, it is essential to find new ways of political communication in order to create a framework for constructive debates about basic values ​​and democratic principles.