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German Lawmakers Launch New Cross-Party Bid to Prepare Possible AfD Ban Case

Proponents prioritize rigorous legal review ahead of any application.

Overview

  • SPD legal expert Carmen Wegge says the next step is to collect evidence independently and assess prospects with expert scrutiny, with no filing date set.
  • Green whip Irene Mihalic urges a joint federal–state working group to compile material for expert evaluation and warns of the AfD’s perceived ties to autocratic states as a security risk.
  • The CDU/CSU remains cautious, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt rejecting the start of a ban procedure and arguing the AfD should be defeated politically.
  • SPD, Greens and the Left hold 269 of 630 Bundestag seats, so any Bundestag application would require support from parts of the Union.
  • An Insa poll (Oct 17–20) reports 43% oppose opening a ban procedure and 35% support it, and under Article 21(2) only the Federal Constitutional Court can decide on a party ban.