Lower Saxony’s Minister President and state leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Olaf Lies, is calling for a coordinated effort between the federal government and state governments to counter what he describes as internal erosion of the state. In an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” Lies urged Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, alongside his counterparts in the states, to devise a strategy ensuring the resilience of Germany’s democracy. He emphasized the historical importance of proactive measures in safeguarding democratic institutions.
Lies’ comments follow ongoing discussions surrounding the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and its potential classification as right-wing extremist by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz). He stated that should courts uphold this classification, the initiation of proceedings for a potential ban would be unavoidable. He asserted that if a ban becomes necessary to protect the fundamental principles of the free and democratic order, then that process should be commenced. The call reflects a heightened awareness within political circles regarding challenges to Germany’s constitutional foundations and the need for decisive action to preserve them.
