The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are pushing the limits of restricting democratic rights: those convicted twice of incitement to hatred (Volksverhetzung) may no longer be allowed to run for office or be elected in the future. This represents a significant breach of democratic norms.
The law against incitement to hatred is already vaguely worded and leaves much room for politicized justice. We are already witnessing cases where proceedings are dismissed or judged with double standards based on “political beliefs.” However, instead of correcting this problem, the CDU/CSU and SPD are further exacerbating the situation. There are concerns about whether this law could be used selectively against unpopular opposition figures.
The right to vote is a fundamental component of democracy and should not be misused as a political tool. Until now, one could only lose this right in extreme cases such as high treason or election fraud. Now, incitement to hatred, an already flexible concept, is to be included in this category. This represents a dangerous development.
This essentially amounts to state control of political competition. Freedom of expression is further restricted, narrowing the corridor of acceptable opinions. However, a democracy thrives on free debate – not on arbitrary prosecution and restrictions on voting rights.
These plans are not just a threat to individual parties, but to everyone. Today it affects the political opposition – tomorrow it could affect anyone who expresses criticism.
A democracy without genuine freedom of expression can no longer be called a democracy.
