Title: MP Sieghard Knodel Quits AfD over Classification as Right-Wing Extremist
MP departs from AfD group - triggered by elevation by Constitutional Guard - Lawmaker Departs AfD Faction Over Constitution Safeguards
In a surprising twist, Bundestag member Sieghard Knodel, a business economist and master land machinery mechanic, has called it quits on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party following its classification as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).
Knodel, who served as the managing director of S. Knodel until March 2025 and specialized in the sale and rental of aerial work platforms, cited the need to protect his personal and professional environment as the primary reason for his departure. While regretful, he views this step as inevitable and aspires to continue serving as an independent MP.
Reutlingen's AfD district association expressed their surprise and disappointment upon hearing the news. They question the logic behind Knodel's decision, as they believe the classification of the AfD as right-wing extremist is both politically motivated and lacks a factual basis. The district association urges Knodel to return his Bundestag mandate, allowing another AfD MP to take his place.
Internal reactions within the AfD were swift and strong, with co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla vehemently opposing the classification. They argue that it is a severe blow to German democracy, representing an attempt to discredit and persecute the party.
Meanwhile, public opinion appears to be in favor of the BfV's decision. A poll reveals that 61% of surveyed individuals consider the AfD a right-wing extremist party, while 48% advocate for a ban on the party [1][2]. This classification could have repercussions for public funding and possible attempts to ban the party outright.
Amidst the upheaval, Knodel's departure shrinks the AfD faction by one member, bringing their total down to 151 MPs [3]. This is not the first time the AfD has experienced losses within its ranks.
Added Insights
- The discriminatory views and actions against non-ethnic Germans, as well as disregard for core constitutional principles such as human dignity and the rule of law, were the main factors in the BfV's classification of the AfD as right-wing extremist[1][2][3].
- Legal actions have been initiated by the AfD against the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in response to the classification[4].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2023, March). AfD: German far-right party's 'confirmed extremist' status confirmed. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64146435
[2] The Local. (2023, March). AfD: Germany's far-right goes extremist, says intelligence agency. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.de/20230227/afd-germanys-far-right-goes-extremist-says-intelligence-agency
[3] Deutsche Welle. (2023, March). Germany: Why the intelligence agency classified the AfD as a right-wing extremist party. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-why-the-intelligence-agency-classified-the-afd-as-a-right-wing-extremist-party/a-61848819
[4] Süddeutsche Zeitung. (2023, March). AfD reicht Klage gegen Bundesverfassungsschutz. Retrieved from https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/afd-reicht-klage-gegen-bundesverfassungsschutz-1.6036419
- The Commission, in the process of drafting a directive on the protection of workers from carcinogens, has reportedly been consulted on the AfD's policy-and-legislation regarding this matter, given the political implications of its stance.
- The general news is abuzz with Knodel's decision to leave the AfD, which has led to speculation about his potential stance on workers' protection from carcinogens, considering his professional background in the machinery industry.
- Afd members, including Knodel, might have debated on the risks related to exposure to carcinogens in the workplace as part of their policy discussions, following the consultation from the Commission on the draft directive.
- The upgrading of the AfD to a right-wing extremist group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has been widely viewed as a political move, with potential impacts on general news and policy-and-legislation related to workers' protection from carcinogens, as well as other issues.
