German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated his skepticism about initiating proceedings to ban the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

“I was and remain skeptical that such proceedings could succeed,” he said at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in Berlin. “Besides, I do not think banning this party would solve the problem its voters see in Germany,” Merz added. In his view, the AfD should be challenged through political debate, and efforts should be made to convince citizens of the merits of the policies being pursued.