Navigating Decision-Making and Guidelines: AfD faction in withdrawal - Proposal requested for a worker radiation safety directive from the Commission, addressing occupational risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) faction in the German Bundestag is undergoing a significant shift, as they adopt a code of conduct and agreement on behaviour in the plenary. This move comes amidst a rise in disciplinary measures within the Bundestag, with the number increasing from 47 to 135 compared to the previous legislative period.
Former Bundestag President Bärbel Bär (SPD) has highlighted this increase, and the AfD's high number of disciplinary measures may have prompted their response. Tino Chrupalla, co-party and faction leader, has emphasized the relevance of the points outlined in a seven-point paper, and has also called for more moderate tones in Bundestag speeches.
The code of conduct and agreement on behaviour aim to ensure the political effectiveness and credibility of the AfD faction. The faction's focus on direct communication with the public and a challenge to traditional political norms and institutions has been a defining characteristic of their populist and radical right-wing ideology. However, the formal environment of the Bundestag may present a unique challenge for the AfD to adapt these strategies.
During their retreat in Berlin, the AfD faction is discussing these etiquette rules to determine their course for the coming months. The draft for the code of conduct states that members should strive for a united and restrained appearance in parliament to maintain their political effectiveness and credibility.
The AfD states that Germany is in crisis, caused by "continued wrong decisions by the old parties." Issues such as crime and economic problems are cited as factors contributing to this crisis. The faction has also called for a tough border policy, deportations "especially to Syria and Afghanistan," tax cuts, and the repair and operation of the Nord Stream gas pipelines from Russia.
Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, has criticized Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), stating that those who had hoped for a change in politics with his election have been "bitterly disappointed." The AfD's political influence has grown, especially in eastern Germany, benefiting from economic dissatisfaction and immigration fears. They have become influential at both national and provincial levels.
The AfD's communication strategies often focus on resonating with their target audience, which includes potential voters in Germany. Their values and communication style can be influenced by connections with controversial figures like Elon Musk. It remains to be seen how these factors will shape the AfD's behaviour and political effectiveness within the formal environment of the Bundestag.
The AfD's adoption of a code of conduct and agreement on behavior in the Bundestag could be seen as a response to the rising number of disciplinary measures and the need for policy and legislation changes that align with their populist and radical right-wing ideology within the realm of politics and general news. This new policy, aimed at ensuring the political effectiveness and credibility of the faction in the formal environment of the Bundestag, may require a shift in their direct communication strategies and challenge traditional political norms.
