The German Ministry of Construction has put forward a new legislative proposal that would give municipalities the right to purchase properties instead of allowing them to fall into the hands of ‘enemies of the constitution.’

‘Enemies of the constitution’ is the term most often used for supporters or members of the largest opposition party, the national-conservative Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), and others on the right.

At the beginning of April, Construction Minister and Social Democrat Verena Hubertz presented the new ‘Bill on the Modernization of Urban Planning and Regional Planning Legislation,’ which promises easier new construction and safer urban landscapes.

“The upgrade of building regulations gives a boost to local planning and will serve as a toolbox for climate adaptation, faster construction, and more housing,” claims the minister.

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However, what is not mentioned is that the new bill, if adopted by parliament in its current form, would also give German municipalities the right to purchase properties that are about to be sold to people who would use them for ‘activities directed against the free democratic constitutional order.’

To make this possible, municipalities would be entitled to request information about potential buyers from the intelligence service Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz and the Federal Criminal Police Office Bundeskriminalamt.

Constitutional Extremism

Critics warn that the new law could pave the way for political “ideological screening” of property buyers. AfD’s spokesperson on construction issues, Marc Bernhard, calls the plans ‘constitutional extremism from the SPD.’

Previously, AfD has often been labeled ‘anti-constitutional’ by established politicians and media. In particular, the Social Democrats have repeatedly pushed for AfD to be designated as ‘anti-constitutional,’ with the aim of banning the party entirely.

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