On January 31, 2025, the German Parliament engaged in discussions about the possibility of banning the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. A total of 124 members from various factions support a request to the Federal Constitutional Court to impose such a ban. However, no clear majority exists in any state body, including the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or the national government, to initiate this process.
The debate was spearheaded by Christian Democratic Union (CDU) member Marco Wanderwitz, who labeled the AfD as 'enemies of the Constitution' and accused them of spreading hatred and agitation. Social Democratic Party (SPD) representative Carmen Wegge alleged that the AfD has connections to terrorist groups and noted a controversial meeting with far-right Austrian figure Martin Sellner.
Liberal Party (FDP) member Konstantin Kuhle expressed concerns about far-right elements within the AfD but opposed a ban, suggesting that it could alienate voters who seek stricter immigration policies. Green Party member Renate Künast criticized the AfD for undermining democratic principles.
In contrast, AfD deputy Peter Boehringer dismissed the ban discussions as a distraction, claiming they have been unfairly targeted by intelligence services. The CDU majority is wary of potential failure in the Constitutional Court, which could inadvertently lend the AfD a false democratic legitimacy. Jessica Tatti from the breakaway Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht party cautioned that not all legally possible actions are politically wise, suggesting that the debate serves to bolster the AfD's electoral campaign.