German parliament to debate ban on far-right AfD next week ｜ DPA
nordot.app
The German parliament is to debate an application for a ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in plenary session for the first time next week, its proposers said in Berlin on Monday. "With its constantly increasing radicalism, the AfD is expressing historically revisionist positions with increasing blatancy," one of the initiators, Marco Wanderwitz of the centre -right CDU, said. He cited a recent statement from AfD co-head Alice Weidel, in which she termed Adolf Hitler a communist. Carmen Wegge of the centre-left SPD called on the Bundestag to open the way for the Constitutional ...

Summary

Germany’s parliament will debate a proposed ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) for the first time next week.

The proposal cites the AfD’s increasing radicalism and historically revisionist statements, such as co-leader Alice Weidel’s claim that Hitler was a communist.

Under Germany’s constitution, a party ban requires proof of opposition to constitutional principles.

Critics warn that a ban could portray the AfD as martyrs.

The AfD currently polls in second place at 20% ahead of February elections.

  • slaacaa@lemmy.worldEnglish
    15·
    6 hours ago

    For decades, the elite has been hoarding more and more wealth, while the average worker faces inflation, stagnating wages, and crumbling public services - this is true for most developed countries.

    Same as with Trump in 2016, a large number of German people are (rightfully) dissatisfied, and (mistakenly) think that a radical candidate will solve their problems, and “stick it” to the elite and current ruling parties.

    The answer is the same everywhere - the elite should stop hoarding the wealth that is created by the workers, and the government should use that money to invest into the common needs of the people (e.g. good education, healthcare and public infrastructure). This is the only way that works, but billionaires would rather see fascists on the government that burn countries down, as that doesn’t endanger neoliberal capitalism,

    • bestboyfriendintheworld@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      81·
      5 hours ago

      Wealth distribution (wages, cost of living, housing) is one thing.

      The demographic changes caused by low birth rates and immigration are not to be underestimated. They have a huge impact on identity, outlook towards the future, and societal cohesion.

      A majority of older people, many without children, who only care about their own pensions and benefits are not conducive to societal change, growth, and adaptation. Wealth distribution plays a role here too of course. The younger generations realize they won’t be able to live the lifestyle of their parents is a huge blow to overall morale. Disintegration of institutions (church, unions) only accelerate the alienation and destruction of social cohesion. Families are also much weaker. They are smaller and their members are more likely to live further apart. Divorce adds further instability and disconnection. That all contributes to increased mental health issues and loneliness.

      Society is in crisis in many ways. People promising radical change (back to an imaginary glorious past) become more and more attractive.