Felix Banaszak admits Green Party shares responsibility for AfD rise

Felix Banaszak, chairman of the German Green Party (Alliance 90/The Greens), has acknowledged that his party shares responsibility for the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Speaking to the Bild newspaper, Banaszak stated that no democratic party can absolve itself of this responsibility, noting that the Greens were part of a culture war that contributed to national division.

While acknowledging the party's role, Banaszak cautioned against exaggerating the dangers posed by the AfD, suggesting that sensationalism might inadvertently benefit the party. He emphasized that voters in Saxony-Anhalt must decide whether they wish to be governed by a party that lacks a clear relationship with the state's monopoly on the use of force.

Banaszak placed the primary responsibility for the AfD's current strength on Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU. He accused Merz of making false campaign promises, specifically regarding his pledge to reduce the AfD's influence, noting that the opposite has occurred under his leadership.