SPD party leader Lars Klingbeil has used striking language, advocating strongly for maintaining the “firewall” against extremist parties and urging a review of banning the AfD. Writing a guest contribution for the weekly newspaper Die Zeit, the deputy chancellor stated that this firewall is not simply a matter of political calculation, but rather a necessary consequence of the failures of the Weimar Republic.
According to Klingbeil, this measure is vital to prevent constitutional enemies from gaining political power. He insists it protects the dignity of every individual and, consequently, safeguards their democratic freedom, adding that this principle is non-negotiable for him and his party.
The discussion surrounding how to treat the AfD has intensified following a recently released opinion by the Society for Civil Rights. While this report concludes that the party is unconstitutional, it does not possess legal binding power.
Klingbeil emphasized that independent scientists have corroborated the findings: the AfD is deliberately working to dismantle democracy and the rule of law. Therefore, he argued, the grounds for initiating a ban procedure before the Federal Constitutional Court must be seriously investigated. He asserted that such a ban would not merely be an option, but a democratic duty required to protect the nation.
Furthermore, Klingbeil issued a stern warning regarding the potential consequences should the AfD achieve a victory in an election. He stated starkly that if this far-right ideology were entrusted with state power, no one would be safe.
