Julia Klöckner, the President of the Bundestag and a member of the CDU, criticized Tobias Rausch, the newly appointed President of the State Parliament in Saxony-Anhalt (AfD), for continuing to hold a party office alongside his new parliamentary post. Speaking to “Stern”, Klöckner emphasized that Rausch was elected through a secret ballot and by a majority decision of the State Parliament. She stated that he must now prove himself in the role, stressing that the primary standards for this office are adherence to the rules of procedure and neutrality. Therefore, she found it highly incongruous that Rausch wished to retain his party functions and remain the general secretary of his regional party.
The CDU politician suggested that Rausch resign from his AfD position. Klöckner explained that she understands the clear public expectation that he should abandon this party office, noting that a parliamentary president must remain neutral in their official capacity. She asserted that “it would be totally inappropriate to still hold an operational and particularly political party office on top of that.” She pointed out that she herself had given up her role as Treasurer of the CDU before being elected President of the Bundestag.
Rausch became the first President of the AfD State Parliament on Tuesday. His election victory was decisive, as he received four more votes than both the AfD and BSW candidates combined. The BSW had previously pledged its support for Rausch’s candidacy, while the SPD, Greens, and Left parties had announced their intention to vote no. Some CDU members within the faction in Magdeburg also provided additional votes toward his victory.
