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Germany updates: Chancellor Merz 'skeptical' of AfD ban

Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism about a proposed ban on the far-right AfD party in Germany as of May 2025.
This skepticism follows the April 2025 BfV report labeling the AfD a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor," which Merz criticized for lacking sufficient evidence and expert review.
The 1,100-page BfV report, leaked and published by the press, mainly included the AfD's public statements and was released controversially on former Interior Minister Nancy Faeser's last day.
In an interview with Die Zeit, Merz emphasized that it must be demonstrated that efforts against the free democratic order are aggressive and militant, and that the responsibility to provide this evidence rests exclusively with the state.
Merz's stance suggests that without clear, proven extremist actions, judicial procedures to ban the AfD risk appearing as political elimination, maintaining parliamentary democracy principles.

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El Pais

Lean Left

Trump’s United States Must Be Confronted

On May 2, the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution determined that Alternative for Germany (AfD) meets the criteria for classification as an extreme right-wing extremist party. In response, Marco Rubio (State Secretary of U.S. President Donald Trump) defended AfD and denounced the decision as an act of “covert tyranny.” Continue reading

7 hours ago·Spain

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Deutsche Welle

Center

Germany updates: Chancellor Merz 'skeptical' of AfD ban

New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed skepticism regarding a potential ban on the far-right AfD, which was recently classified as "right-wing extremist" pending an appeal. DW has more.

7 hours ago·Bonn, Germany

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www.t-online.de

Lean Left

AfD ban? Merz is skeptical: "This must be proven"

Friedrich Merz has been Chancellor for over a week. In an interview, he comments on the bumpy chancellor election, his first days in office and possible further steps.

8 hours ago

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Deutschlandfunk

Center

Dealing with the AfD - Federal Chancellor Merz: Always been sceptical about prohibition proceedings against political parties

Federal Chancellor Merz has been reluctant about a possible procedure for banning the AfD. He has always been very sceptical about prohibition proceedings against political parties, said the CDU chairman of the weekly newspaper "Die Zeit".

9 hours ago·Germany

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n-tv.de

Lean Right

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees AfD ban proceedings "very sceptical"

When it comes to a party ban on the "Alternatives for Germany", Friedrich Merz quickly notices the accusation of "dissolving competitors". At the same time, the Federal Chancellor criticizes how the previous government dealt with the explosive report on the protection of the Constitution.

11 hours ago

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