Defense Minister and Baden-Württemberg Premier Urge swift bans on extremist AfD state branches

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Baden-Württemberg’s state premier Cem Özdemir jointly authored an editorial demanding that prosecutors launch bans against the Alternative for Germany’s most radical state branches in Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg. They describe this faction as “völkisch,” emphasizing its ethno-nationalist stance that they claim undermines the constitutional order. The timing is critical, as the September 6 election in Saxony-Anhalt could see the AfD potentially leading a state government for the first time since the end of Nazi rule.

While Pistorius and Özdemir stress the need to differentiate between the party’s moderate and extremist elements, Green MP Irene Mihalic cautioned against a selective approach, arguing that the entire AfD is at odds with democratic principles. The call reflects growing concern among mainstream politicians about the AfD’s rising influence ahead of key regional polls.