A planned political panel discussion in Hamburg was abruptly canceled after officials refused to allow Alternative for Germany (AfD) a seat at the table. Judges and prosecutors, citing AfD’s ideology, rejected its inclusion, equating it to historical fascism.
The event, meant to foster dialogue on Hamburg’s legal system ahead of state elections, initially included representatives from all competing parties. However, leaked emails revealed outrage within the judiciary, with some judges comparing the AfD’s rhetoric to Nazi-era propaganda. Mass protests against the party on January 28 only added fuel to the fire.
Political figures like Carola Ensslen from the Left Party and Lena Zagst from the Greens refused to participate, declaring that democrats should not share a stage with “right-wing agitators.” Their boycott forced the Hamburg Judges’ Association to call off the event.
The controversy deepened when judicial emails surfaced, exposing concerns over Friedrich Merz of the CDU cooperating with AfD on immigration policy. Some judges suggested avoiding any discussions involving the party, while prosecutors insisted the judiciary had an obligation to actively defend democracy—rather than remain neutral.
AfD officials, including Dr. Alexander Wolf, dismissed the attacks as hysterical and unconstitutional, questioning the impartiality of Hamburg’s legal system. With the leaked emails sparking outrage, the AfD is now considering legal action, arguing that judges used official channels to promote political bias against a legally recognized party.
The bigger question looms: if AfD gains power, will they face an institutional blockade from within Germany’s state structures? One thing’s clear—the establishment isn’t rolling out the red carpet.
