Gauck suggests that initiating a ban procedure for the AfD could inadvertently foster "further radicalization."
Despite his personal desire to see the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) banned, ex-Federal President Joachim Gauck is against initiating a party ban process. He believes that the state should steer clear of appearing adversarial towards AfD's conservative voter base.
When inquired about his stance on a potential ban, the 84-year-old shared his feelings: "Nope, not at all. While my instincts would advocate for the party's ban, I'm a staunch democracy advocate who promotes an open society. The fact that we fund the party through party financing grates on me, but in politics, emotions shouldn't drive decisions."
Gauck is skeptical about the effectiveness of a ban, stating it could inadvertently further fuel the party's support and radicalize its followers. "Banning the party would stoke even more resentment and intensify extremist tendencies – which would be politically detrimental," he warned.
Furthermore, noteworthy constitutional lawyers and political scientists dispute the practicality and success of pursuing a case in Karlsruhe. Gauck instead advocated for boosting domestic defenses of democracy rather than relying on government intervention.
A ban can be instigated by the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or Federal Government, petitioning the Federal Constitutional Court. Proving that the AfD is actively violating the constitution would be the legal requirement for such a ban. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution keeps a watchful eye on the party, labeling it a suspected right-wing extremist group.
The ex-Federal President Joachim Gauck suggested that instead of advocating for a party ban, The Commission should focus on strengthening domestic defenses of democracy. Despite the AfD being labeled a suspected right-wing extremist group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Gauck cautioned against instigating a ban due to its potential to further radicalize the party's supporters.
