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Germany’s domestic intelligence service has labeled Alternative für Deutschland (AFD) as right-wing extremist. The party and its members can thus be monitored. The incoming government will consider a ban on AFD. It is unthinkable that a political party can be banned in a democracy. But with Germany’s history and a party where parts of the party have or had a Nazi past, a ban is easier to understand.

What makes AFD a far-right party?

AFD pursues a policy that is hostile to Islam and critical of immigrants. That in itself is not so remarkable. Several right-wing populist parties in Europe have a similar attitude. The party wants to close Germany’s borders to immigration.

A group in AFD calls itself “Der Flügel”. The group disbanded in 2020 after accusations of undermining German democracy. The group had clear right-wing attitudes and several individual members who were or had been associated with Nazi circles. The group included members who made strong racist statements.

Germany’s Nazi legacy

Anyone with a little knowledge of history knows how Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. Germany’s Nazi legacy hangs over the country like a dark chapter. For most Germans, this is a black chapter in German history. This is what the new government must take into account. In many ways, it’s about rooting out hints of a Nazi resurgence.

It is a question of whether it makes sense to ban AFD. The question is also whether the party should be legal or not. Adolf Hitler’s party came to power through influence given by voters during free elections. Afterwards, he broke down democracy and built up his Nazi movement. The result was disastrous. Millions of people around the world were killed in the worst war in history.

The new German government must decide how extreme attitudes can be stopped. Try to stop right-wing extremism through openness and debate, or ban the party This is a dilemma for a democracy. Should a political party whose elements subvert democracy be banned or not? Should a democratic system be defended

Sources:

Wikipedia: Alternative for Germany

BBC: Germany defends AfD extremist classification after Rubio criticizes ‘tyranny in disguise’

Aljazeera: German designation of far-right AfD as ‘extremist’ draws US ire

DW: Germany updates: Politicians weigh in over calls to ban AfD