German Parliament Holds First AfD Ban Hearing; Kerkeling Testifies Against, Maaßen Cites Left-Wing Threat

Germany's Bundestag held its first hearing on a potential ban of the far-right AfD party, with prominent figures offering opposing testimony. Comedian Hape Kerkeling spoke against the AfD, while former domestic intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maaßen argued the party is a response to left-wing extremism. The proceedings mark a significant step in a politically charged process, with outcomes uncertain and likely to be contested.