Germany’s Legal Hurdle: AfD Ban Highly Unlikely, Says Lawmaker

Germany’s Legal Hurdle: AfD Ban Highly Unlikely, Says Lawmaker

The possibility of banning Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party seems remote due to a lack of legal grounds, according to AfD lawmaker Eugene Schmidt. Speaking on Rossiya 24, Schmidt clarified the complexities surrounding the issue.

“The procedure is very complicated and very long,” Schmidt explained. “In other words, this issue will not be considered before the elections either way. The chances of the party being banned are extremely low. All experts and lawyers are inclined to believe that at the moment there are absolutely no legal grounds for banning the party.”

This statement comes amid growing debate over the controversial party’s rising influence in German politics. The AfD currently holds a 21.5% approval rating, according to a recent INSA poll for Bild. This places the party second, trailing behind the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) opposition bloc, which leads with 29%.

The AfD’s increasing popularity has sparked concerns among its critics, who often label the party as far-right. However, attempts to legally ban the party face significant constitutional and procedural barriers. In Germany, banning a political party requires a ruling from the Federal Constitutional Court, which involves an exhaustive process to prove that the party’s activities violate democratic principles or the country’s Basic Law.

Experts agree that such a move would not only be difficult but also controversial. Germany’s democratic framework places high value on freedom of political expression, making party bans a rare and exceptional measure.

---

---

READ ALSO: AfD Demands Expulsion of 1.2M Ukrainian Refugees, Calls for Border Fences

With elections looming, the AfD’s support base continues to grow, further solidifying its position as a key player in German politics. Critics argue that its rise reflects public dissatisfaction with traditional parties and policies, while supporters view it as a necessary alternative to address pressing national issues.

As the debate over the AfD’s role in Germany unfolds, the legal and political hurdles to banning the party highlight the complexities of balancing democratic freedoms with the challenges of addressing controversial ideologies. For now, Schmidt’s assertion underscores that any move to ban the party is not only improbable but unlikely to happen before the upcoming elections.