German Politicians Clash Over How to Handle Far-Right AfD

In Germany, around mid-August 2026, a heated debate has erupted among politicians over how to deal with the far-right party AfD. Charlotte Knobloch, a prominent Jewish community leader, has called for examining a ban on the AfD, while others warn against using the domestic intelligence agency (Verfassungsschutz) as a political tool. The dispute has also strained the left-wing BSW party, which is facing internal conflict over its stance on the AfD, and CDU leaders in Saxony-Anhalt have criticized a candidate check that they say could benefit the AfD. Meanwhile, AfD top candidate Holm has questioned whether the CDU base would accept toleration by left-wing parties, and an AfD politician in Saxony-Anhalt skipped a business forum, drawing attention.