Chancellor Merz skeptically: SPD is planning AfD ban despite resistance

Chancellor Merz skeptically: SPD is planning AfD ban despite resistance

Berlin, Deutschland - The discussion about the right -wing extremist alternative for Germany (AfD) is currently taking up speed in German politics. At its party congress, the SPD made the decision to initiate a procedure to prepare an AfD ban, which brings the government into a delicate position. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, expressed skepticism about such a ban and emphasized that politics should rather address the content of the AfD's electorate. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed this and explained that the SPD had not spoken out for an immediate procedure. The working group that deals with a possible ban will collect materials in the next few weeks to evaluate the Situation. OE24 reports .

A crucial background for this discussion is the classification of the AfD as a "secured right -wing extremist" by the protection of the constitution. This decision ensured various reactions, both within politics and in public. The protection of the constitution bases its evaluation, among other things, on the statements of AfD politicians in the election campaign and on how to deal with people with a history of migration. For example, racist statements and the idea of ​​an ethnically defined German citizenship were particularly emphasized. While the SPD and the Greens support the protection of the constitution in its evaluation, the AfD has vehement protest and announced legal steps against the classification. ZDF reports .

reactions to the classification of the AfD

The reactions to the classification of the AfD by the constitutional protection are split. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes the neutrality of the protection of the constitution, while Greens politicians criticize the Union, especially Jens Spahn, for their normalization policy towards the AfD. The discussion is accompanied by the words of a political scientist, which points out that this classification is perceived as an obstacle to the further normalization of the AfD. Additional numbers and facts are available in the constitutional protection report .

One of the security aspects is that members of the AfD who are considered right -wing extremists should not have access to weapons or sensitive data. According to the protection of the constitution, right -wing extremist activities in Germany show an alarming potential. In 2024 there was an increase in right -wing extremist crimes by 47.4 % to a total of 37,835 offenses compared to the previous year. The right -wing extremist acts of violence also rose, which indicates increasingly violent radicalization within this spectrum.

Overall, the AfD remains strong in the nationwide surveys, despite its classification as a right -wing extremist, and is in second place. The intra -party pressure within the Union is growing, especially with regard to dealing with the AfD. Secretary General Carsten Linnemann confirms that there will be no cooperation with the AfD, while Merz emphasizes that the political debate must be addressed in terms of content and should not only aim at a ban. This could significantly influence the course for the future political landscape and dealing with extreme parties in Germany.