The political scientist pointed out the risks of banning the Alternative for Germany party in Germany

An attempt to ban the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party may lead to increased radicalization and the emergence of new political forces with more aggressive rhetoric. This was stated on July 7 in an interview with Izvestia by historian, political scientist and Germanist Evgenia Pimenova.

"Banning the AFD will not solve the problems that have become the root causes of the party's popularity — consumer discontent, economic recession, and system fatigue. On the contrary, it can increase radicalization and lead to the emergence of new parties that are tougher in their rhetoric," the expert said.

Pimenova noted that the prohibition process is quite complicated and requires irrefutable evidence, which can take up to three years. She also stressed that such a step could only strengthen the AfD's image as a "victim of the system," which, in turn, would lead to an increase in its support.

"At the same time, it should be understood that the AFD seems to have begun the process of softening its rhetoric and program, and the Alternative is "breaking up" with the most odious party members. So far, the ban does not look like it has been resolved," the political scientist stressed.

In addition, the historian drew attention to the fact that the most active supporters of the AfD ban were the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), which openly supported preparations for this procedure at a recent congress.

CNN reported on the same day that calls for a ban on the Alternative for Germany party, which received 20.8% of the vote in the February elections and became the largest opposition force in the Bundestag, are intensifying in Germany. If the Federal Constitutional Court makes such a decision, the party will be dissolved and its activities banned. This requires the support of two thirds of the judges.

Before that, on June 29, the Welt newspaper reported that after the SPD at its congress supported the preparation of a court application to ban the right-wing Alternative for Germany party, the Green party called for immediate practical measures.