Germany's AfD faces possible ban as expert report backs constitutional case

Eight lawyers funded by the Society for Civil Rights have prepared a report for the Federal Constitutional Court that says the Alternative for Germany (AfD) repeatedly violates core democratic principles. The experts argue the party shows no separation from radical right-wing forces and cites leaders such as Alice Weidel, Maximilian Krah, Hans‑Thomas Tillschneider and Björn Höcke. The document, described as giving the ban request a strong chance of success, follows the domestic intelligence office’s 2025 classification of the AfD as “secured right‑wing extremist,” a rating the party successfully contested in Cologne before it was temporarily suspended. A main‑court case remains pending.

Political leaders have reacted strongly. Green faction heads Britta Haßelmann and Katharina Dröge urged the Union, SPD and Left to discuss a coordinated response, while SPD chief Lars Klingbeil called for security agencies to scrutinise the evidence. Co‑chair Bärbel Bas has not ruled out legal steps. A ban can be initiated only by the Bundestag, Bundesrat or the federal government.