Socialist Party leader Klingbeil advocates for a ban on the AfD, citing right-wing extremism pose as a threat to democracy.

In the run-up to the local election in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) on September 14, the SPD Leader, Lars Klingbeil, has once again brought the issue of a potential ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party into the spotlight.

Klingbeil, who is also the Chairman of the SPD, expressed concern about the increasing influence of the AfD, arguing that it could negatively impact the economy and hardworking people. He stated that an obviously far-right and anti-constitutional party is trying to destroy democracy, and it is a duty of democrats to consider an AfD ban procedure.

The SPD chairman's comments indicate his opposition to the AfD's political agenda and its potential impact on workers and the economy. Klingbeil's statements did not repeat earlier facts about the AfD being far-right, anti-constitutional, or a threat to democracy, but rather emphasized the need to combat the enemies of democracy, including the AfD.

The Vice-Chancellor has also expressed concern about the AfD making politics with contempt for people. The SPD chairman's statements did not mention the Vice-Chancellor or the role of democrats in considering an AfD ban procedure.

According to Klingbeil, the upcoming local election in NRW on September 14 has strong poll numbers for the AfD. However, he believes it's necessary to clarify the potential success of a ban procedure for the AfD, based on the findings of the constitutional protection agency.

The last evaluation of the significance of a ban on the AfD by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesverfassungsschutz) was conducted in 2023 when the AfD was classified as a "firmly right-wing extremist endeavor," which underlies ongoing discussions and legal actions related to a possible party ban.

Klingbeil is working to reestablish the SPD's reputation as a party that cares for workers, and his statements reflect a commitment to protecting democracy from extremist parties. The debate on banning the AfD, revived by Klingbeil, is likely to continue in the lead-up to the NRW election.

Socialist Party leader Klingbeil advocates for a ban on the AfD, citing right-wing extremism pose as a threat to democracy.