For many years the German authorities have attempted to ban the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD). Thus far the attempts to outlaw the party have failed. But in recent months the NPD looked intent on destroying itself. For several weeks the party leadership has been engaged in public feuding. NPD head Udo Voigt has come under sharp criticism for his leadership style as well as the party's worsening financial crisis. The NPD is on the brink of insolvency and faces heavy fines for accounting irregularities and misappropriating public funds.