Germany’s Party Ban Proceedings against the AfD

Speaker:
Marco Buschmann, Former Federal Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Germany
Moderator:
Eric Langenbacher, Senior Fellow and Director of the Society, Culture & Politics Program, AGI

Despite increasing support from German voters, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was temporarily classified as a confirmed extremist party by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesverfassungsschutz, BfV) in May 2025. The decision raised questions around justification for deeming political parties in Germany an existential threat to democracy. This webinar will address constitutional provisions in place that allow the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) to ban political parties as threats to the liberal democratic order in the Federal Republic.

In addition to dialogue on successful party bans in Germany during the mid-twentieth century and more recent, unsuccessful attempts at party bans, the current scrutiny of the AfD and the complex politics surrounding these efforts will be discussed. The conversation will highlight legal and political debates about a possible ban of the Alternative for Germany party in the future.

Marco Buschmann is a German lawyer and member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Buschmann served as Federal Minister of Justice in former Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cabinet, overseeing Germany’s legal system, including analyzing the legality and constitutionality of laws prepared by lower ministries. He previously served as a Member of the German Bundestag from 2009 to 2013 and 2017 to 2025, having intermittently served as Secretary General of the FDP. Minister Buschmann studied law at the University of Bonn, graduating in 2004. He also completed his doctorate at the University of Cologne, conducting analysis of the origin and content of EU property law.

This event will convene via Zoom. Please contact AGI Program Associate Mr. Jack Fornasiero at jfornasiero@aicgs.org with any questions.

This event is supported with funds from the Harry and Helen Gray Humanities Program.