AfD’s Popularity Triggers Ban Discussion As German Leaders Struggle To Maintain Control

Germany’s mainstream parties are considering drastic measures to stop the rise of Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), including an outright ban on the nationalist party. As AfD climbs in the polls, members of the Bundestag debated on Thursday whether to initiate proceedings to outlaw it, raising concerns over democratic integrity in the country.

A group of 113 lawmakers from multiple parties—including the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the far-left Die Linke—has called for the constitutional court to determine whether AfD poses a threat to Germany’s democratic system. The move is being pushed despite legal experts stating that AfD does not meet the criteria required for such a ban.

AfD’s increasing popularity stems from its strong opposition to mass immigration and its criticisms of the government’s economic and energy policies. Establishment parties have attempted to undermine the party through surveillance, financial restrictions, and negative media coverage. Despite these efforts, support for AfD has continued to grow.

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The debate over AfD coincides with CDU leader Friedrich Merz accepting votes from the party to pass an immigration measure. His decision shattered the long-standing “firewall” against working with AfD, drawing harsh criticism from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who accused Merz of undermining political stability.

The fallout has been significant. Left-wing protesters gathered in Berlin, calling for bans on both AfD and CDU. Green Party leaders warned against any collaboration with CDU, fearing it could lead to a broader shift in German politics. Meanwhile, the CDU has denied any formal cooperation with AfD, despite accepting their votes in parliament.

Recent polling shows AfD at 23%, while CDU stands at 29%. The SPD continues to decline, dropping to 15%. As tensions grow, Germany’s political establishment appears increasingly willing to consider extreme measures to contain AfD’s influence, raising questions about the state of democracy in the country.