Germany’s Judges Sound Alarm: Far-Right AfD Could Weaponize Courts, Prosecutors Demand Reform Now

German judges and prosecutors are calling for urgent legal reform, warning that the country's next government must change the rules for state prosecutors to stop "extremists in government" from misusing the legal system [244024]. The unprecedented warning comes as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) rises in the polls, raising fears that the party could weaponize state institutions if it gains power [244024].

The judicial alarm adds to growing political turmoil in Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly next week, with a government official saying "his presence is required in Berlin" as he faces growing pressure at home during difficult state elections [242533]. Merz's party recently lost state elections to the AfD, and doubts about his leadership are growing within his own party [242745].

The AfD's rise has triggered concerns across German institutions. Judges and prosecutors specifically warned that without reform, extremists could exploit the legal system for political purposes once in government [244024].

Meanwhile, German drivers are expressing fury over rising fuel prices. Merz has promised to help them, but how he will do so remains unclear [242738].

The political instability comes as Merz faces pressure from within his own party. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is currently in Washington meeting with his American counterpart for talks [242745].