Banaszak wants AfD ban proceedings "before it's too late"

The federal chairman of the Greens, Felix Banaszak, has once again spoken out in favor of initiating proceedings to ban the AfD. This path is important "before it is too late", said Banaszak at the state party conference of the Saxon Greens in Neukieritzsch near Leipzig. It was right to have the Federal Constitutional Court examine whether the party "stands on the ground of our constitution or is trying to override these constitutional principles with feet, with violence and with violence in language".

He urged differentiation. "It would be a mistake to assume that those who have doubts have a secret affinity with the AfD or its positions." It is also not about suppressing political disputes. Banaszak emphasized that political determination does not mean giving up on substantive debate.

"Democracies don't die overnight"

With regard to the political situation, the Green Party leader warned of a creeping erosion of democracy. "Democracies don't die from one day to the next." The AfD has become "more and more radicalized from month to month, from statement to statement". At the same time, society has become accustomed to far-right positions.

Banaszak reiterated the Greens' claim to act responsibly even when in opposition. His party would "not enter into a shabby competition", but would strive to play the role of the "most effective opposition". Such an opposition would stand by the government if it did the right thing.

A visit with a double message

Banaszak was a guest at a state party conference of the Greens in Saxony for the first time. The visit was part of a "learning journey". The discussion of East German civil rights history was just as important as the direct exchange with the party members on site.