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In a bid to enhance its political effectiveness and credibility, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) parliamentary group has drafted a new code of conduct. This updated set of rules, still in its preliminary stages as of early July 2025, aims to foster a more moderate and disciplined presence in the Bundestag plenary sessions.
The key features of this new code include an emphasis on a closed and moderate appearance, prevention of bribery and conflict of interest exclusions, guidelines on appropriate attire, and explicit acknowledgement that interjections are part of democratic debate and are even encouraged. However, no concrete restrictions have been set yet on the tone of speeches or interjections, which may be subject to change as the draft evolves.
This shift towards greater decorum comes after the AfD was known for a much rougher tone in the Bundestag plenary. The number of formal disciplinary reprimands (Ordnungsrufe) increased significantly during the last legislative period, with the AfD topping the statistics for such reprimands. The party leadership, including co-chair Tino Chrupalla, has publicly called for a more moderate tone, distinguishing parliamentary speeches from more provocative demo speeches.
The AfD's retreat in Berlin is focusing on setting rules of conduct. The party, which has been vocal about its stance on crime, economic problems, tough border policy, deportations, tax cuts, and Nord Stream gas pipelines, now seeks to present a more united and restrained front in the Bundestag.
The AfD's co-leader, Tino Chrupalla, has called for more moderate tones in Bundestag speeches, signaling a shift towards greater decorum. However, Chrupalla has also stated that the points in the party's seven-point paper reaffirming its key positions are outdated.
Meanwhile, co-leader Alice Weidel has criticised Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), stating that those who had hoped for a change in politics with his election have been "bitterly disappointed." The former Bundestag President Bárbara Bas (SPD) has also commented on the increase in disciplinary actions in the Bundestag plenary.
The AfD continues to lead in the statistics for disciplinary actions in the Bundestag plenary. The party advocates for a tough border policy and supports the repair and operation of the Nord Stream gas pipelines from Russia. It also calls for tax cuts and mentions crime and economic problems as issues in the crisis, caused by continued wrong decisions by the established parties.
This new code of conduct marks a significant shift from the previously harsher and more confrontational style of the AfD in the Bundestag. The aim is to enhance the faction's credibility and political effectiveness within the Bundestag, setting a new course for the party in the coming months.
[1] It should be noted that while the code of conduct is a step towards a more moderate presence in the Bundestag, it remains to be seen how effectively the AfD will adhere to these new guidelines and whether the shift in tone will lead to a reduction in disciplinary actions.
- The policy-and-legislation shift towards greater decorum within the AfD, as outlined in the new code of conduct, aims to foster a more moderate and disciplined presence in the Bundestag plenary sessions, possibly reducing the number of formal disciplinary reprimands (Ordnungsrufe) they receive.
- The general-news presence of the AfD in the Bundestag, following the implementation of this new code of conduct, could yield a more united and restrained front, potentially altering the party's image, and potentially influence the political landscape of policy-and-legislation discussions and general-news reporting.
