The German Fire Service Association has sharply criticized the AfD for using decommissioned fire trucks in their election advertising. According to the newspaper “Bild,” the party has repeatedly used old fire engines during campaign events and demonstrations in the capital city. For instance, last Monday, Party Chairman Tino Chrupalla reportedly appeared at an AfD election event in Berlin, where a fire truck was positioned next to the stage. This former emergency vehicle was allegedly decorated with large AfD posters and stickers.
Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Fire Service Association, commented to the newspaper, stating, “We clearly condemn the use of vehicles recognizable as firefighting vehicles for any political purpose.” Banse emphasized that fire departments are required to adhere to a principle of neutrality.
The decommissioned vehicle used at the AfD rally in Berlin was reportedly still equipped with blue lights on the roof. A spokesperson for the association told “Bild” that blue lights should not be installed on retired fire trucks used in public traffic, as the vehicle is no longer registered as an active emergency vehicle.
Ronald Gläser, an AfD Member of the Bundestag and press spokesperson for the AfD Berlin state association, clarified to “Bild” that the decommissioned fire trucks being used by the AfD belonged to a party friend.
