A recent survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute of Demoscopy, commissioned by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, reveals that the majority of German citizens oppose a ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The poll, released Saturday, indicates that 52% of those surveyed are against such a prohibition, while only 27% support it. Opposition is even more pronounced in eastern Germany, where two-thirds of respondents expressed their opposition.
The survey identified several contributing factors to this sentiment. A significant reason cited is familiarity with individuals who support the AfD. The institute found that 67% of respondents in western Germany and an even higher 88% in eastern Germany report having acquaintances or friends who identify with the party. Notably, these individuals are often viewed differently than the party itself; while 54% of the broader population characterizes the AfD as right-wing extremist, only 5% believe the supporters they personally know fit that description.
Another prevailing view is that proponents of a ban may be motivated by a desire to eliminate a political competitor perceived as increasingly strong. Such perceptions cast doubt on their motivations.
The survey also suggests skepticism regarding the effectiveness of a ban. A majority (54%) believes that a new party with a similar political orientation would likely emerge quickly to replace the AfD. Furthermore, a ban would likely extend to any successor organizations.
Interestingly, the survey notes a growing level of commitment to the AfD among its potential voters. Where previously only a third of these individuals expressed confidence in the party, that figure has risen to 50% recently.
The Allensbach Institute conducted the survey between July 4th and July 16th, polling a sample of 1,054 individuals. The German constitution, specifically Article 21, defines as unconstitutional any party whose aims or the actions of its followers aim to impair or abolish the fundamental democratic order or to endanger the existence of the Federal Republic of Germany.
