German Officials Consider Banning AfD As Party Challenges Political Order

Germany’s ruling coalition is exploring extreme measures to curb the rise of Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), including the possibility of banning the party entirely. A debate in the Bundestag on Thursday examined whether AfD should be declared unconstitutional, a move critics argue would strip away democratic credibility in the country.

The motion was introduced by 113 lawmakers from across the political spectrum, including members of the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and Die Linke. They claim AfD promotes dangerous nationalist ideals and undermines the country’s democratic framework. However, legal scholars have pointed out that bans on political parties require clear evidence of anti-democratic actions, a threshold AfD has not met.

AfD’s increasing support comes as Germans express frustration over the government’s handling of immigration, economic policy, and energy concerns. The party’s call for stricter border enforcement and criticism of the ruling coalition’s failures have resonated with voters, despite attempts to weaken the party through legal and financial pressure.

Further fueling tensions, CDU leader Friedrich Merz recently accepted AfD votes in parliament to pass a hard-line immigration proposal. This decision shattered the long-standing political rule that mainstream parties must avoid working with AfD in any capacity. The backlash was swift, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning Merz’s actions and accusing him of endangering political stability.

Left-wing activists gathered outside CDU headquarters in Berlin, demanding action against both AfD and CDU. Some within the Green Party even called for CDU to be politically isolated, fearing a shift toward nationalist policies. Merz has maintained that his party will not formally collaborate with AfD, despite accepting their votes.

Current polling places CDU at 29% and AfD at 23%, while SPD has dropped to 15%. With AfD gaining ground, Germany’s political establishment appears willing to use extraordinary measures to stop its rise, raising concerns over how far officials will go to maintain their control.