Bundestag Considers Antrag to Dissolve AfD Party
13 November 2024
Berlin, Germany – The German Bundestag is considering an Antrag (motion) to initiate proceedings to determine the unconstitutionality of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. The Antrag, submitted by a coalition of parties including the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Greens, and the Left Party, seeks to invoke Article 21 of the German Basic Law, which empowers the Bundestag to request a decision from the Federal Constitutional Court on whether a political party violates the constitutional order.
The Antrag alleges that the AfD has repeatedly violated the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law enshrined in the German constitution. It cites numerous instances of racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic statements and activities by AfD leaders and members. The motion also claims that the AfD has been involved in efforts to undermine the democratic institutions of Germany, including the judiciary and the media.
If the Bundestag approves the Antrag by a two-thirds majority, the Federal Constitutional Court will be tasked with examining the allegations against the AfD. The court will then issue a decision on whether the party is unconstitutional. If the court finds in favor of the Antrag, the AfD would be dissolved and its assets forfeited.
The Antrag has sparked heated debate in Germany. Supporters of the motion argue that the AfD poses a threat to democracy and must be stopped. They point to the party’s growing popularity and its influence on other political parties. Opponents of the motion, including the AfD itself, argue that it is an attack on freedom of speech and political pluralism. They claim that the AfD is a legitimate political party that represents the views of a growing number of Germans.
The Bundestag is expected to vote on the Antrag in the coming weeks. The outcome of the vote is uncertain, but it is likely to have significant implications for German politics. If the Antrag is approved, it would be the first time that a political party has been dissolved in Germany since 1952.
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Drucksachen a new article on 2024-11-13 11:00 titled “20/13750: Antrag Antrag auf Entscheidung des Deutschen Bundestages über die Einleitung eines Verfahrens zur Feststellung der Verfassungswidrigkeit der “Alternative für Deutschland” gemäß Artikel 21 Absatz 2, 3 und 4 des Grundgesetzes i. V. m. § 13 Nummer 2 und 2a, §§ 43 ff. des Bundesverfassungsgerichtsgesetzes (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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