SPD proposes democratic protections and AfD ban in Germany

The SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag has introduced a political document titled ‘Defensive Democracy – Arming Our Rule of Law Against Authoritarian Attacks’. The nineteen-page proposal aims to protect democratic institutions and the rule of law from potential authoritarian erosion.

A key component of the strategy involves seeking a ban on the AfD. The SPD is looking toward the Bundesrat (the upper house of parliament) to potentially request such a ban from the Federal Constitutional Court, a move that could be taken if the material provided by the parliamentary group is deemed sufficient.

To facilitate this, a joint federal and state working group is expected to be established by the end of the year to review the document. The proposal also suggests legislative changes to ensure that future amendments to the Federal Constitutional Court Act can only be passed by the Bundestag with the consent of the Bundesrat, preventing a future majority from unilaterally weakening judicial structures.