Should the AfD lead a state government in Saxony-Anhalt, parties spanning the political spectrum-including the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and Left-have indicated they would utilize the provisions of the Basic Law concerning “federal coercion” to enforce federal and constitutional law.
Dirk Wiese, the Parliamentary Director for the SPD, told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that given the potential establishment of a coalition involving the AfD and BSW under what he termed a “Putin coalition,” it is vital to know that the Basic Law provides mechanisms to compel a state to act constitutionally, if necessary.
The Greens supported the possibility of federal coercion, linking their stance to recent statements made by the AfD top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt. Irene Mihalic, the Green Parliamentary Director, stated to the RND that Ulrich Siegmund’s announcement regarding the use of military weaponry against citizens not conforming to the AfD’s “nationalist worldview” demonstrates anew that the AfD is an anti-constitutional party ready to impose its inhumane agenda outside the rule of law and democratic norms. Consequently, the Greens argued that democratic forces must deploy all tools provided by the Basic Law for a “defensible democracy.” Mihalic also emphasized the urgent need for the Constitutional Court to rule on a party ban for the AfD.
Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) and CDU parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei had previously cited Article 37 of the Basic Law. This article grants the federal government the right to issue directives to state authorities via “federal coercion,” provided the Bundesrat agrees. It is important to note that this measure has never been implemented in the history of the Federal Republic.
The Left party is also open to the possibility of federal coercion but considers it insufficient by itself. Clara Bünger, Vice-Chair of the Left Parliamentary Group, told the RND that “We must enable and prepare all legal means,” adding that the federal coercion could be deployed in the most extreme case if a state violates specific federal duties.
However, the Left stressed that all measures intended to secure democratic institutions must not be discussed but must already be decided and prepared. Bünger criticized the federal government for appearing sluggish, suggesting it was wasting time in working groups. She insisted that the primary immediate step must be to submit an application to the Constitutional Court for a constitutional review of the AfD.
