The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained ground in three recent state elections, caused an uproar in the Thuringian parliament and triggering another debate on whether to ban the party outright.

  • FrowingFostek@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    So, for the sake of argument, if AfD is banned would they not just became a paramilitary group?

    What’s to stop them from devolving into something more ‘nefarious’ if they are stripped of political power?

    • JayObey711@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      What stoped the kpd? Or the groups that wanted to rebuild the NSDAP? Would you rather have them pull the strings instead? I mean yea a ban could be dangerous, but letting them take over the justice system, the finances and police of Germany seems like a horrible second option.

      • FrowingFostek@lemmy.world
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        1 month ago

        Oh I’m not advocating for letting them remain in a position of political influence.

        I’m asking what mechanisms beyond simply banning them will need to be implemented? I’m thinking banning them is only a bandage solution.

    • Jumi@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      I’m guessing they’d still be under observation after they get banned because of exactly that and I also think there’s steep step between political engagement and serious criminal activity.

      But that gets decided by a court and as a German I think the judiciary is the most trustworthy of the three powers. I think if it even comes to that they deal with the motion in a sensitive way.

      • FrowingFostek@lemmy.world
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        1 month ago

        I am not a German, so I appreciate you explaining that to me. As an American I’d love to say the same about our judiciary.