Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz expresses skepticism over a suggested ban on the far-right AfD party, citing the need for ‘proven’ aggression against liberal and democratic order.
Germany’s New Chancellor Expresses Skepticism Over Ban on Far-Right AfD Party
Germany’s new ‘always very skeptical of procedures to ban political parties’ Friedrich Merz has expressed doubts over the appropriateness of a suggested ban on the far-right populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which came second in February’s federal election. In an exclusive interview with German broadsheet Die Zeit, ‘Merz said he is always very skeptical of procedures to ban political parties’ and refrains from conducting such procedures from the center ground in parliament.
Friedrich Merz is a German politician and lawyer.
Born on November 11, 1955, in Hamm, Germany, he served as the Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2018 to 2021.
Merz has been a member of the Bundestag since 1994 and has held various leadership positions within the CDU.
He is known for his conservative views on economic policy and social issues.
Merz stated that it must be ‘proven’ that the AfD is working ‘aggressively and combatively against the liberal and democratic order’ in Germany, a burden of proof which lies with the executive, the state, rather than with the legislature, the parliament. The domestic intelligence agency classified the AfD as a ‘confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor’ pending the outcome of a legal appeal lodged by the party.
The AfD’s platform has been criticized for containing ‘distinctive ethnicity- and ancestry-based understanding that devalues entire population groups in Germany and violates their human dignity.’ Despite polls showing the AfD around 20% support, Germany’s major political parties refuse to form a coalition with the radical, right-wing party.
Merz’s skepticism over banning the AfD is a significant development in Germany’s domestic politics. The country has been grappling with how to deal with far-right extremism, and the AfD’s presence has raised concerns about the future of democracy and human dignity.
Other Developments in German Politics
Meanwhile, other developments in German politics include:
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Germany backs 5% NATO defense spending target: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Berlin accepts in principle the demand from the United States that NATO member states increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
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EU prepared to act if US tariff talks fail: ‘Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, has called on the European Union to react to US tariffs in a ‘unified and determined’ manner’ should trade talks with Washington collapse.
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Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer buried in Berlin: One of Germany’s most well-known Holocaust survivors was buried in Berlin on Thursday following a funeral service attended by senior politicians.
These developments highlight the complexities of German politics and the challenges facing the country’s new government.
