As Germany approaches its federal elections, a critical focus emerges on how political parties plan to protect democracy from various forms of extremism. The rise of right-wing movements, Islamist threats, and other challenges has prompted a comprehensive examination of party platforms regarding counter-extremism measures.

Recent surveys indicate significant concern among younger voters, particularly those aged 18 to 29, regarding societal division and the threat of terrorism in Germany. Each political party presents distinct approaches and assessments regarding who constitutes a threat to democratic values and how they intend to combat these threats.

CDU's Approach

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) aims to introduce legislation specifically targeting extremism, with a primary focus on Islamist activities. The proposed law would allow authorities to revoke residence permits for asylum seekers who commit crimes, although such a revocation does not guarantee deportation. Additionally, dual nationals could face loss of their German citizenship. The CDU also seeks to criminalize public calls for the abolition of democratic principles, citing the demand for an Islamist caliphate as a notable example.

Furthermore, the CDU plans to exclude organizations monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution from state partnerships and funding, even if only certain members are under scrutiny.

SPD's Initiatives

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) emphasizes the importance of uncovering the financial networks supporting right-wing extremist groups. They propose enhancing the capabilities of security agencies to effectively track and dismantle these structures. The SPD also seeks to address Islamist organizations similarly, advocating for a thorough vetting process to ensure that no constitutional adversaries are present in public service roles. An expansion of personnel within security agencies is also part of their plan.

AfD's Stance

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) aligns with the CDU in seeking to penalize calls for an Islamist state. Additionally, they advocate for the prosecution of what they term "climate extremists" and aim to prohibit groups associated with the anti-fascist movement, commonly known as Antifa.

Green Party's Vision

The Green Party has directed its focus toward the digital realm, advocating for targeted media literacy initiatives to prevent radicalization. They also stress the need for support for victims of racial and right-wing violence and individuals seeking to disengage from extremist groups. To facilitate these aims, the Greens propose the establishment of a Democracy Promotion Act.

Moreover, the party calls for stricter legal repercussions for crimes motivated by prejudice, ensuring that offenders who target individuals based on specific attributes--such as race, religion, or sexual orientation--are held accountable. The Green Party also seeks to enhance surveillance of potential threats and provide financial assistance to victims and their families.

Left Party's Focus

The Left Party prioritizes the fight against right-wing extremism. They propose a Democracy Promotion Act that would bolster antifascist initiatives, civic democracy coalitions, and support for victims of extremist violence. They advocate for the prohibition of militant neo-Nazi organizations and the promotion of a culture of remembrance to prevent the rise of fascism.

FDP's Perspective

The Free Democratic Party (FDP) asserts a commitment to combating all forms of political and religious extremism. They propose enhancing the expertise within security agencies to ensure a scientifically informed approach to addressing extremism. The FDP specifically highlights the growing influence of Islamist figures on social media and calls for measures to counteract their reach through immigration law enforcement.

BSW and Volt's Proposals

The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) aims to enhance police support by equipping officers with modern resources and increasing their visibility in public spaces to improve safety perceptions. Conversely, the party believes that policing should not extend into monitoring offensive online comments.

Volt advocates for a proactive democracy that actively combats extremism. They propose establishing a national reporting system to uniformly track politically motivated crimes. The party emphasizes the need for additional resources for law enforcement and an increase in preventive measures through educational initiatives and community dialogues, promoting collaboration between security agencies and civil society organizations.

As the elections draw near, the varying strategies and evaluations of extremism by each political party highlight the urgency of addressing these pressing issues to safeguard Germany's democratic foundations.