Jens Spahn's Proposal to Normalize AfD Parliamentary Role Faces Strong Opposition

The CDU politician's call to treat the AfD like other opposition parties has drawn sharp criticism over concerns about legitimizing extremism.

Jens Spahn, CDU/CSU Bundestag vice-chair, has proposed handling the AfD using standard parliamentary procedures, arguing it reflects the choice of millions of voters.
His recommendation includes treating the AfD as any other opposition party in legislative processes, such as committee roles and procedural rights.
Critics from the SPD and Greens argue this approach risks normalizing the AfD's extremist elements, which are under scrutiny by the Verfassungsschutz.
State-level leaders, such as Brandenburg's SPD chief, warn of the AfD's increasing radicalization and aggressive behavior, further complicating the debate.
The proposal underscores a broader tension in German politics over balancing democratic principles with the need to address extremism in legislative contexts.