Greens intensify call for ban on AfD; morning update on the issue

Pressure mounts on banning AfD: Greens leading the charge in the morning's political climate - The Green Party advocates for prohibiting the AfD.

In the political landscape of Germany, a significant shift is occurring as the Alliance 90/The Greens are considering initiating a party ban procedure for the protection of people and democracy. This decision comes in light of the AfD's growing influence, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt, where recent polls suggest they could secure an absolute majority in the upcoming state elections. The AfD's current standing in Saxony-Anhalt is at around 39%, significantly ahead of other parties, positioning them strongly for a strong showing in the 2026 election. In addition, the AfD has strong support in Bavaria, with polling data showing around 19%, a historical high in that state.

The Greens have invited parliamentary groups from the Union, SPD, and Left for talks about a possible AfD ban procedure. The SPD had previously demanded at a party conference in June to prepare a possible ban procedure. However, the Union currently rejects a ban procedure. Martin Debes, an AfD correspondent, argues that a ban procedure could drag on for years and lead to civil war-like scenes. Maxim Biller, on the other hand, has suggested a legal, not political, approach to knocking out the AfD.

Meanwhile, economist Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, who heads the Center Automotive Research (CAR) in Bochum, paints a disastrous picture of the competitiveness of the German automotive industry. He describes it as "miserable, it can't get worse." Dudenhöffer considers a recent car summit announced by the federal chancellor as a wasted effort, citing previous unsuccessful attempts. He suggests conversations between the automotive and defense industries as a more effective approach.

Outside of politics and industry, Germany is mourning the loss of Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91. Armani's empire had over 10,000 employees and had a turnover of 2.35 billion euros last year. His style of simple, timeless elegance was based on his childhood experiences.

In other news, the IFA, the consumer electronics trade fair, will open its doors to visitors in Berlin on Friday, September 5th. Collien Fernandes and Christian Ulmen, actors and presenters, have announced their separation. A memorial service for the police officer killed in Volklingen will be held by the Saarland state government on Friday, September 5th. Health Minister Nina Warken will also present a forecast on the financial development in statutory health insurance on the same day.