Cutting off public funds for extremist groups
Strengthening Constitutional Loyalty in the Hessian Landtag: A Three-Stage Review Process
In a bid to ensure the protection of the democratic order, Landtag President Astrid Wallmann of the Hessian Landtag has proposed a change in the law that would institute a thorough review process for the loyalty of employees and Members of Parliament (MPs). This process is designed to prevent individuals who may pose a risk to constitutional order from accessing taxpayer funds or the Landtag's infrastructure.
The proposed review process is structured as a three-stage security clearance procedure. Here's a breakdown of each stage:
Stage 1: Initial Application
Employees or MPs who require loyalty verification submit their personal data along with a consent form authorising the Landtag administration to carry out necessary checks. This step includes collecting necessary personal identification information to proceed with background verifications.
Stage 2: Criminal Record Check
The Landtag administration requests an official criminal record certificate (Führungszeugnis) from the Federal Office of Justice or the relevant local authority. This certificate reveals any past criminal convictions that might be relevant to assessing loyalty or potential risks. Absence of criminal records is typically necessary to move forward in the clearance process.
Stage 3: Security and Loyalty Check by State Authorities
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) and the State Criminal Police Office (Landeskriminalamt) are involved in deeper security screening. These agencies evaluate whether the individual is involved in activities that threaten the democratic order, such as extremism or other security risks. They provide the Landtag administration with confidential assessments or additional information regarding possible threats or concerns.
In practice, the process works as follows:
- Consent and Data Collection: The person provides consent, enabling the Landtag to request necessary data.
- Criminal Records Acquisition: The Landtag requests the criminal record check from appropriate authorities; the results are sent back directly to the Landtag.
- Additional Security Screening: Concurrently or subsequently, the Landtag asks the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the State Criminal Police Office to check their internal files about the individual. This may include monitoring data or intelligence related to extremist activities.
- Decision: Based on the combination of the criminal record and the security agencies’ assessments, the Landtag decides whether the individual is deemed loyal and eligible to hold their position or work within the parliamentary factions.
This three-stage process ensures a thorough vetting of employees and MPs, balancing personal rights with the protection of the constitutional democratic order of Hesse. The proposal, initially made by Landtag President Astrid Wallmann from the CDU party, has sparked controversy, with the AfD speaking out against it as an interference with the freedom of Members of Parliament. However, the aim is to strengthen the constitutional loyalty of those working in the Hessian Landtag and protect the democratic order from potential threats.
The proposal for a three-stage review process in the Hessian Landtag aims to strengthen constitutional loyalty and protect the democratic order. This involves policy-and-legislation, as the review process is structured to prevent individuals who may pose a risk to the constitutional order from accessing taxpayer funds or Landtag infrastructure. Controversies have arisen in politics, with the AfD party expressing concerns about this as a potential infringement on the freedom of Members of Parliament, while the aim remains to ensure general-news of the democratic order's safety.
