On 28.01.2025, the ver.di regional district of Lower Saxony-Bremen is organizing a discussion event on the question “Is an AfD ban the right step in the fight against right-wing extremism?”. The discussion will be held in German.

The Bundestag elections are coming up and, according to polls, the AfD could achieve around 20% of the vote. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear that the party advocates far-right and misanthropic positions. It defames social groups, shows links to National Socialism and sometimes works openly with neo-Nazi structures. Nevertheless, the AfD is trying to present itself as a “normal party”.

Right-wing populist and extreme right-wing attitudes are becoming increasingly popular in the social and political debate - a development with far-reaching consequences for our society, civil society organizations and trade unions.

Recently, the debate about banning the AfD has gained momentum, especially since 113 members of the Bundestag submitted a motion to ban the party. A ban on the AfD is seen by some as a necessary protection of democracy, while others warn that democracy must also be able to withstand a strong far-right party.

At the same time, several questions arise: What impact would a ban on the AfD have on the political landscape? How can democratic values be actively defended? What role can (should) trade unions play in the fight against right-wing extremism? And what strategies are effective in strengthening democracy and preventing social divisions?

In this event, we would like to bring together different perspectives and discuss the legal, political and social aspects of such a step with

• Marco Wanderwitz, Member of the Bundestag (MdB/CDU) and co-initiator of the ban proceedings against the AfD
• Angela Furmaniak, lawyer and campaign AfD ban now!
• Fabian Georgi, Committee for Fundamental Rights and Democracy e. V.

The event will be moderated by Andrea Wemheuer, ver.di regional director of Lower Saxony-Bremen.

Online: The event can be attended digitally (via Webex).

To participate - on site or digitally - please register in writing by 23.01.2025 to Astrid.Ritter@bw-verdi.de. The Webex access data will be sent after registration.