Proposal requested for a worker safety directive concerning risks linked to ionizing radiation exposure.
In the heart of Berlin, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) faction is currently assembled for a retreat, seeking to address internal matters and chart a course for the future. However, the last legislative period has seen a significant increase in disciplinary actions against the AfD faction in the Bundestag plenary, with the number rising from 47 to 135.
Tino Chrupalla, one of the co-party leaders, has previously advocated for more moderate tones in Bundestag speeches. Yet, the AfD's stance on key issues such as immigration, economy, and the Nord Stream gas pipelines has remained steadfast, reflecting their far-right, national-conservative platform.
On immigration, the AfD maintains a strong anti-immigration position, appealing to voters concerned about immigration levels, cultural identity, and social cohesion. This stance has been a significant factor in the party's rise, particularly in eastern Germany where it won nearly a third of votes in each state in the 2025 federal election.
The AfD's economic platform is characterised by national-conservative views, supporting German industry and opposing policies seen as threatening national sovereignty or economic stability. Their economic stance tends to be intertwined with their nationalist and protectionist rhetoric.
In the case of the Nord Stream pipelines, which transport Russian gas to Germany, the AfD has opposed sanctions and policies that disrupt these pipelines, arguing for maintaining energy partnerships that benefit Germany’s economy and energy security. This position contrasts with other mainstream parties that have taken a more critical stance towards Russia and have supported stronger sanctions following geopolitical tensions.
Despite internal support for these positions, the AfD remains politically isolated, with no other major parties willing to cooperate due to their far-right stances and positions perceived as extremist. Mainstream parties continue to maintain a cordon sanitaire around the AfD, refusing to form coalitions or formal alliances.
The current stance of the AfD has provoked strong opposition from other political groups and civil society leaders alike. The party's co-leader, Alice Weidel, has criticised Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), stating that those who hoped for a change in politics with the election of the CDU are "bitterly disappointed."
During their retreat, the AfD faction is discussing rules of conduct and is expected to adopt a code of conduct and an agreement on behaviour in the Bundestag plenary. The faction has also adopted a seven-point paper reaffirming key positions, including a tough immigration policy, including deportations to Syria and Afghanistan.
As the AfD's rise reflects shifting political dynamics in Germany, especially in eastern states, the party's far-right policies continue to spark debate and controversy. The increased disciplinary actions serve as a reminder of the challenges the party faces in navigating the complexities of German politics while maintaining their core principles.
Amid the retreat, the AfD faction is deliberating over a code of conduct and an agreement on behavior, with a focus on implementing stricter discipline to reduce the number of disciplinary actions in the Bundestag plenary. In the realm of policy-and-legislation, the AfD's far-right, national-conservative platform continues to polarize the general-news landscape, particularly in the areas of immigration, economy, and the Nord Stream gas pipelines, where their positions differ greatly from mainstream parties. Crime-and-justice discussions may also arise, as the AfD's tough immigration policy includes deportations to countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
