He alleges that Maaßen surrounds himself with unwavering loyalists and discourages dissenting opinions Meuthen specifically criticized a recent video conference, characterizing it as a staged event designed to elicit expressions of support for Maaßen rather than fostering open discussion
Sylvia Pantel, a former member of the German parliament, condemned a recent decision by the party’s federal executive committee to remove her as the regional leader in North Rhine-Westphalia She labeled the move arbitrary and undemocratic, predicting it will ultimately damage the party
The dispute centers around allegations made in internal communications According to reports, a recent email sent by Maaßen to party members in North Rhine-Westphalia accused some executive board members of “mobbing and intrigue” and asserted the invalidity of the regional election held in March, reinstating a previous board elected earlier in the year
Pantel’s regional executive responded with a communication to members expressing dismay over what they characterize as the party being used as a “political football” with “extremely destructive behavior” They specifically cited the attempted removal of the regional board and the role played by the party chairman
Maaßen has refuted the accusations leveled against him, dismissing them as a “defamation campaign” and stating that the claims are unsubstantiated and damaging to his reputation He has declared his intention to vigorously defend himself against what he views as false allegations
