The debate surrounding potential consequences for Alternative for Germany (AfD) members employed in the public sector is intensifying. Brandenburg’s Minister-President Dietmar Woidke and Thuringia’s Interior Minister Georg Maier, both members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), have indicated they would pursue decisive action should a court uphold the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution’s classification of the AfD as a far-right extremist organization.
Minister-President Woidke, in comments to the Handelsblatt newspaper, acknowledged the legal complexities involved. “As long as the AfD is not banned, I consider it fundamentally legally difficult to disadvantage party members” he stated, emphasizing the constitutional guarantee of equal treatment, which extends to political affiliations. However, he clarified that a successful court confirmation of the Verfassungsschutz’s assessment would fundamentally alter the situation. “Then we – also in Brandenburg – must examine what consequences this has for the public sector.
Interior Minister Maier echoed this sentiment in his own comments to Handelsblatt, stressing the importance of a coordinated national approach. He referenced a working group established by the federal and state interior ministers to specifically address the issue of AfD membership within the civil service, calling for expedited action. “The working group must work quickly because we expect a decision from the Administrative Court of Cologne every week”. He expressed hope that preliminary results could be presented at the next conference of interior ministers in early December.
In the event of a court ruling confirming the AfD’s elevated classification, Minister-President Woidke indicated a review would be undertaken regarding the suitability of individuals, particularly those who function as prominent spokespersons for the party, for specific roles within the public sector, especially positions requiring a heightened commitment to the state. Minister Maier added that resulting measures could range from official reprimands to, in severe cases, termination of employment.
