In a bold and contentious move, the German government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and a coalition of Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats is considering a ban on the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In October 2024, a motion signed by 113 members of the Bundestag had called upon the Federal Constitutional Court to order the banning of the AfD party. The parties that are in power label the AfD with allegations of an anti-constitutional agenda and undermining democratic principles.
However, the issues that the AfD is highlighting, such as strong opposition to immigration, have attracted the common people of Germany, especially the youth. This decision raises eyebrows about the state of democracy, freedom of speech, and political competition in Germany under the ruling liberal parties, Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats.
The Current Situation
The AfD party, long under surveillance as it is claimed to be a “suspected right-wing extremist organization,” has gained popularity lately. The AfD recently won significant victories in state elections, including winning in Thuringia and coming in second in Saxony and Brandenburg, which are located in the east part of Germany. According to reports, AfD has increased its poll rating to 22%, putting it behind only the largest alliance party, the CDU/CSU alliance (Christian Democratic Union of Germany/Christian Social Union in Bavaria), which dropped a point to 30%.
The decreasing popularity of the ruling alliance under Scholz, government instability due to the sudden collapse of the coalition government and the increased popularity of AfD in recent polls have created panic among the other liberal parties such as Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats, which seems to have pushed the panic button for Scholz and co as they look to take the extreme measure of banning the AfD.
The ruling alliance is pointing at AfD’s right-wing policy, citing historical lessons from the Nazi era, by encapsulating the phrase “Wehret den Anfängen” (“resist the beginnings”), to justify the ban as a preventive measure against so-called authoritarianism.
Rise of the AfD
The AfD’s popularity stems from its ability to tap into public discontent over issues the mainstream parties have struggled to address. These include economic stress, rising migration, and disillusionment with the government’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine war. The party’s nationalist and anti-immigration stance has resonated particularly in eastern Germany, where economic disparities and a sense of marginalization fuel support for anti-establishment rhetoric.
The party has also gained popularity among younger voters who see it as a force for change. This contrasts with the perceived stagnation of traditional parties. Moreover, the AfD’s critique of liberal policies, including Germany’s refugee intake and its alignment with U.S. foreign policy, especially on the Russia-Ukraine war strikes a connection with those who feel left behind by globalization and international commitments.
For example, as media reported that the party’s agreed manifesto includes plans to quit the Paris climate deal, exit the Euro currency and create a new confederation of states. These policies are being liked by the German citizens. In recent months, the popularity of the AfD has increased from 18% to 22%.
Apart from basic problems of the common German people, which the ruling parties have failed to address. High-profile endorsement from Elon Musk has contributed to the surge. Musk supported the party on his social media X. Musk hosted X livestream chat with the prominent and popular AfD leader Alice Weidel. In the livestream, Musk reiterated support for the German far-right party in the upcoming election. This internal involvement of Musk is not liked by the ruling elites of Germany who have questioned the integrity of the AfD and also attacked Musk for domestic involvement.
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Controversial Ban
Banning the AfD represents a fundamental challenge to the principles of a free and open society. Democracy thrives on political pluralism and the competition of ideas. By targeting the biggest opposition party with substantial public support, the government risks alienating voters who already feel dis-attached to the political system. This could potentially polarization and deepen divisions in German society.
Critics argue that the move reflects a failure of mainstream parties to address the root causes of the AfD’s rise. Instead of engaging with the public and addressing their grievances, the government appears to be using legal means to sideline an ideological rival. This sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that political competition can be curtailed through institutional power rather than democratic debate.
Additionally, banning the AfD could backfire by feeding into the party’s narrative of victimhood. The AfD has already portrayed itself as a defender of free speech and a challenger to elitist institutions. A ban would bolster its claims that the political establishment is undemocratic and intolerant of dissent. This could galvanize its base and attract new supporters who see the ban as evidence of the party’s authenticity.
Democratic parties in Panic
The government and lawmakers are outrightly opposing claiming the AfD are anti-democracy. The requirement of the time however is to take domestic economic stress seriously without being submissive to the U.S. over the Russia-Ukraine war, this is the main reason for the AfD’s popularity. Banning an increasingly popular party, is an immoral and unlawful act by the ruling alliance to get rid of the ideological competition in Germany. The decision will not lie with the lawmakers rather it will lie with the people of Germany, those who are going to vote this February.
The government’s push for a ban reveals a deeper anxiety about its inability to counter the AfD’s growing influence with democratic means. Mainstream parties have struggled to connect with voters who feel left behind. The AfD’s rise is a symptom of this disconnect, and banning the party will not resolve the underlying issues. Instead, it risks creating a vacuum that could be filled by even more support for the party.
Furthermore, the government’s actions reflect a fear of losing control over the narrative. The AfD’s success challenges the legitimacy of established political norms and exposes the limitations of liberal governance in addressing pressing social and economic concerns. By attempting to ban the party, the government is signalling its inability to compete on the ground of ideas, and losing complete sense of the popular movements on the ground that now angle further towards the AfD.