The Social Democrats (SPD) have urged the German government to take the first legal steps to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, citing its unconstitutional activities. The party, known for its anti-immigration stance and Euroscepticism, has been a persistent source of concern for mainstream political forces. While the SPD argues that the AfD’s rhetoric and policies undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law, conservative lawmakers remain divided on the issue, with some expressing reluctance to pursue a formal ban.
The debate over banning the AfD has intensified as the party continues to gain support among certain segments of the population. SPD leaders emphasize that the AfD’s presence in parliament threatens the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions. Meanwhile, conservative factions within the government argue that the party’s views, while controversial, do not meet the threshold for outright prohibition. This divergence highlights the broader political tensions within Germany’s coalition government, where balancing democratic principles with political pragmatism remains a complex challenge.