AfD Ban Looms Closer With Likely Election Of New Far-Left Judge To Germany's Top Court

Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, a far-left lawyer, is set to become a judge at Germany's Federal Constitutional Court. This appointment significantly increases the likelihood of a ban on the AfD party, a goal Brosius-Gersdorf openly supports. She has expressed views favoring restrictions on the AfD's basic rights, even suggesting depriving members of their right to be elected. Brosius-Gersdorf also advocates for mandatory vaccination and gender-neutral language in the German constitution. Her previous statements on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination have drawn criticism, deemed "unelectable" by some. She is considered a leading candidate for the court's presidency, granting her considerable influence. This appointment worries conservatives and those who value free speech, fearing a significant shift in the court's ideology. The CDU's support for Brosius-Gersdorf is puzzling given their previous opposition to an AfD ban and differing stances on social issues. The potential for an AfD ban hinges on the Bundestag's vote and the Constitutional Court's decision, heavily influenced by Brosius-Gersdorf's presence. Her appointment poses a substantial challenge to the CDU and the conservative right in Germany across various policy areas.