- Faeser defends the ban on "Compact"
After the Federal Administrative Court provisionally suspended the ban on the right-wing extremist "Compact" magazine imposed by her, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) sees no reason for a change in course. "The Basic Law explicitly provides the instrument of a ban on associations to protect democracy from enemies of the constitution," she said at an event at Berlin's Ostbahnhof.
Given the current threat situation, it is important to also use these instruments of defensive democracy. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is sticking to its position regarding the main proceedings. The minister emphasized: "We will not let up in our actions against enemies of the constitution."
Faeser had banned "Compact" on July 16, stating that the publication was a "central mouthpiece of the right-wing extremist scene." The Federal Administrative Court provisionally lifted the ban in an expedited procedure on Wednesday, mainly expressing doubts about the proportionality of the ban. This means that the magazine can now appear again under certain conditions. A final decision will be made in the main proceedings.
Faeser said it was good that such bans could also be legally reviewed in a rule-of-law state. She referred to previous ban orders from her ministry that had stood up in court. "We've lost in parts this time," Faeser said, adding, "It's a completely normal process." After the provisional failure of the "Compact" ban, Faeser faced criticism from the FDP, AfD, and the Union.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior continues to monitor the activities of various media companies, including those associated with right-wing extremist groups, to safeguard democratic values. In response to the court's decision, some media companies may need to reevaluate their content to ensure they comply with constitutional norms.
