Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig pledges a thorough investigation into whether the right-wing AfD endangers democracy.
Following public criticism over the domestic intelligence agency’s decision to suspend its classification of the AfD as a “confirmed right-wing extremist” group, Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has urged a serious inquiry into potentially banning the party.
In an interview published Thursday with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Hubig stated that all legal options should be considered, asserting that the AfD should be regarded as a possible danger to the democratic order.
She stated, “The AfD is not a typical party. Therefore, we need to take the party as a possible danger for our democracy very seriously. It is essential to consider a party ban.”
Hubig acknowledged that banning a political party is the most extreme measure in a democracy and should not be done without careful consideration. However, she contended that if a comprehensive investigation by the Interior Ministry and other relevant authorities determines that the legal requirements for a ban are satisfied, it “would not be difficult” to justify.
“Of course, thoroughness comes before speed, but we do not have forever,” she added, in response to a question about a timeline for deciding on a potential ban. The new German government – a coalition of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives and the SPD – will discuss the possibility of a ban and develop a joint strategy. However, Hubig expressed doubt as to whether “the procedure would be successful or not.”
The AfD came in second place in February’s federal elections with 20.8% of the vote but has been excluded from coalition talks and government formation. When asked if she was concerned about disenfranchising so many voters, Hubig claimed that the number of people who support a party is “irrelevant” if authorities ultimately deem it unconstitutional.
Earlier this month, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) upgraded the AfD’s classification from “suspected” to “confirmed right-wing extremist” – but quickly suspended the designation pending a court ruling on the party’s legal appeal.
The AfD denounced the action as “a severe blow to German democracy” and launched a lawsuit. Co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla welcomed the temporary suspension, calling it “a first important step.” The now-paused designation would have given the BfV the ability to increase monitoring of the AfD without judicial oversight; the reduced status of “suspected case” still permits monitoring, but under more stringent conditions.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt admitted this week that the BfV’s 1,100-page report – which has not been made public – lacks solid evidence that the AfD poses a serious threat to democracy or the rule of law that would justify a legal ban.
Chancellor Merz has also voiced skepticism about pursuing a ban, citing legal difficulties and potential political repercussions. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the fundamental causes of the AfD’s popularity. Simultaneously, Merz urged Washington to “stay out” of Germany’s internal affairs, after senior US officials claimed that the EU’s largest economy had become “a tyranny in disguise” and had “rebuilt” the Berlin Wall.