One year after the new Bundestag was convened, the Union and the SPD have found confirmation in a sharper stance against the AfD.
Parliamentary manager of the SPD group, Dirk Wiese, told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”‘s Wednesday edition that the experience of the last year shows that the “velvet gloves” must be pulled off: AfD MPs should be confronted directly, especially with interpellations that expose contradictions. He added, “Look how this throws someone like Alice Weidel off‑balance and how smug she reacts”.
According to Bundestag statistics, 49 admonishments were issued in the first year for conduct that violated the dignity of Parliament-40 to AfD MPs and nine to the Left. That already brings the total close to a record; the current tally for the 2021‑2025 legislative period stands at 135.
In response, the Union and the SPD amended the Rules of Procedure. A third admonishment within a single session now automatically ejects the MP from the chamber; three within three sessions triggers an automatic fine. The potential fine has been doubled from €1,000 to €2,000, and in the repeat‑offence case from €2,000 to €4,000.
Parliamentary manager of the Union group, Steffen Bilger, said the work in the Bundestag has changed noticeably since last year’s election. “Thanks in part to the larger AfD group, the volume and aggression in the plenary have increased” he said. “There are more provocations and personal slanders. This also concerns speakers who more often face unfounded interruptions and verbal attacks”.
Bilger added that such behaviour is observed on both political extremes. “Apart from the AfD, members of the Left also fall through personal attacks and deliberate disturbances in the plenary” he noted.
The new Bundestag first convened on 25 March 2025. The Union, with 208 MPs, remains the strongest force, followed by the AfD with 150 MPs and the SPD with 120 MPs.
