Debate on AfD ban proceedings: Haßelmann criticizes Linnemann

Berlin. Britta Haßelmann, chairwoman of the Green Party's parliamentary group in the Bundestag, has called for a ban on the AfD, criticizing CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann for his negative stance. "The CDU must now, at the latest, confront the dangers posed by the AfD and take a clear position," she told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). "The AfD is an anti-constitutional party. It has just been upgraded to confirmed right-wing extremist." Attacks by the AfD on human dignity, constitutional bodies, democracy, and the rule of law are commonplace.

Haßelmann added that anyone who, like Linnemann, rests on the fact that protest or frustration cannot be banned is denying the dangers posed by the AfD and trivializing a party that is attacking the constitution.

She emphasized: "An immediate review and prompt initiation of ban proceedings are now required. The upgrade has significantly increased the pressure on the three constitutional bodies to act. The Bundestag, the Federal Government, and the Bundesrat are called upon to act."

Linnemann is skeptical about the prospect of a ban on the AfD. He considers such a process "highly politically dangerous," he told "Welt am Sonntag." "All reputable legal experts say that, given the current circumstances, such a process would be very difficult, and the outcome uncertain." Linnemann had previously stated that the dissatisfaction of many AfD voters could not be banned.