German President’s Speech: Hint of AfD Ban Sparks Debate on Extremism
Addressing the anniversary of Kristallnacht, President Steinmeier hinted at the potential banning of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party experiencing a surge in popularity. He urged mainstream political parties to collaborate to protect democracy, specifically discouraging any cooperation with extremist groups. Steinmeier’s remarks emphasized the historical precedent of extremist parties gaining power through the support or inaction of others, drawing parallels to the downfall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. This statement comes amidst a divide among AfD’s opponents, with some advocating for a ban while others see it as a counterproductive measure.
John Q. Hosedrinker