German Lawmakers Push To Ban AfD As Party Gains Momentum

As support for Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) grows, Germany’s political leaders are weighing an unprecedented move to ban the nationalist party. On Thursday, members of the Bundestag debated whether AfD should be outlawed, a proposal that has sparked concerns about political suppression under the guise of protecting democracy.

The discussion was initiated by 113 lawmakers spanning multiple parties, including the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and Die Linke. Their argument hinges on claims that AfD’s platform threatens Germany’s constitutional order and promotes nationalist ideals they deem unacceptable. However, constitutional experts have pointed out that a ban requires evidence the party actively seeks to dismantle democratic institutions, a standard AfD does not meet.

AfD’s growing popularity is largely tied to its stance on immigration and criticism of government policies. Frustration over border control failures, economic struggles, and energy issues has driven more voters toward the party. Despite increasing scrutiny, including state surveillance and financial obstacles, AfD continues to rise in polling, alarming its opponents.

The timing of the debate coincides with a separate controversy involving CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who accepted AfD votes to pass stricter immigration policies. This move defied the long-held practice of refusing any cooperation with AfD, prompting backlash from Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other left-leaning politicians. Scholz condemned Merz’s decision, warning that mainstream parties working with AfD would undermine the country’s political order.

Public reaction has been intense. In Berlin, left-wing demonstrators protested outside CDU headquarters, demanding not just an AfD ban but also restrictions on the CDU itself. Meanwhile, within the Green Party, activists pushed for an official political wall against CDU, fearing further shifts toward nationalist policies.

Recent polling places CDU at 29% and AfD at 23%, with SPD trailing at 15%. The debate over AfD’s future now raises serious questions about whether Germany’s government is committed to political competition or willing to silence opposition by force.