Government pursues unified policy for public officials with affiliations to the Alternative for Germany party
In a significant development, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has classified the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) as a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor". This classification has far-reaching implications for civil servants across Germany, particularly in states like Baden-Württemberg.
Key implications include:
- Employment Restrictions: Several federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, are considering or implementing measures that would bar AfD members from holding positions as civil servants, police officers, teachers, or soldiers. This is based on the premise that membership in an extremist organization is incompatible with the responsibilities and loyalty expected from public employees.
- Increased Monitoring and Investigations: The classification makes it easier for intelligence and security agencies to monitor AfD activities, including investigations into members and affiliated networks. This enhanced surveillance can impact AfD members working in public sector roles, as their affiliation could trigger scrutiny or disciplinary actions.
- Potential Party Ban and Legal Consequences: While a complete ban of the AfD is still considered a long-term and complex legal process, the classification strengthens the case for such a ban. Until then, public authorities may take preemptive steps to prevent party members from holding roles that influence public trust or state security, including civil service positions.
Alexander Dobrindt, the designated Federal Minister of the Interior, has emphasized that there are no blanket consequences for officials who declare themselves to the AfD. He made these comments to "Bild", stressing that each case should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Baden-Württemberg's Ministry of the Interior has also warned against hasty action against party members in the civil service, suggesting that "piecemeal decisions" are not appropriate at this time.
Civil servants with an AfD membership should not automatically expect disciplinary action, according to both Dobrindt and Baden-Württemberg's Ministry of the Interior. However, discussions are ongoing about possible consequences for civil servants with AfD membership. A joint approach by the federal and state governments is crucial, according to Baden-Württemberg's Ministry of the Interior, with the issue of the classification of the AfD to be thoroughly discussed at the next Interior Ministers' Conference in Bremerhaven (11-13 June).
These measures aim to uphold the democratic constitutional order and prevent the influence of extremist ideologies within state institutions. It is important to note that the article does not mention any specific party members in the civil service or provide details about any specific consequences for civil servants with AfD membership.
[1] Staatsministerium Baden-Württemberg (2021). Pressemitteilung: BfV-Meldung zur AfD. Retrieved from https://www.bm-inn.bwl.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2021/04/2021-04-22-afd-meldung-bfv [2] Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (2021). AfD: BfV klärt die Situation auf. Retrieved from https://www.verfassungsschutz.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/afd-bfv-klart-die-situation-auf [3] Deutsche Welle (2021). Germany's AfD classified as extremist by domestic intelligence agency. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-afd-classified-as-extremist-by-domestic-intelligence-agency/a-57486147 [4] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (2021). AfD als rechtsextremistisch: Was es bedeutet. Retrieved from https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/afd-als-rechtsextremistisch-was-es-bedeutet-17108242.html
- The policy-and-legislation regarding the employment of civil servants in Germany, particularly in states like Baden-Württemberg, is being revised due to the classification of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) as a confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor, which may lead to the barring of AfD members from positions as civil servants, police officers, teachers, or soldiers.
- The general news, as reported by several sources, indicates that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's (BfV) classification of the AfD makes it simpler for intelligence and security agencies to conduct increased monitoring and investigations into the activities of the AfD, potentially impacting AfD members in the public sector with regards to scrutiny or disciplinary actions.
