Socialist faction supports the proposed revision.
In the heart of southwestern Germany, a political storm has been brewing around Daniel Born, a member of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament. Born, who was once the deputy speaker, has found himself embroiled in a scandal involving a swastika drawn on a ballot during a secret vote[1][2][3].
The investigation into Born's actions is being carried out by the public prosecutor's office, with a key focus on determining whether there was any public dissemination of the swastika[4][5]. Under German law, the use of a swastika is illegal due to the ban on symbols of unconstitutional organizations, specifically Nazi symbols. The drawing of a swastika is considered a criminal offense[2][4].
Born, who initially announced his resignation as parliamentary vice-president and withdrawal from the faction, has since decided to focus on his work as an MP for the Schwetzingen constituency[6]. He has admitted guilt for his actions and resigned from his position as vice president of the state parliament as well as the SPD parliamentary group. However, he has chosen to remain in his seat as a state MP[1][2][3].
The swastika marked by Born was not immediately considered a criminal offense. The SPD Baden-Württemberg has called on Born to immediately resign his seat and withdraw from the state list candidacy[7]. The public prosecutor's office is investigating whether there is a reasonable suspicion of a crime related to Born's actions[5].
Politically, the act has caused widespread condemnation. Born justified his action as an impulsive and regrettable mistake, citing his opposition to the far-right AfD party, next to whose candidate’s name he drew the symbol. Authorities and parliamentary leadership have emphasized the damage to the dignity of the parliament and democracy itself[1][3]. Some critics, including members of the AfD, have called for Born’s complete resignation from the parliament altogether[3].
As the investigation continues, the legal implications for Born under German law include possible criminal charges for using a Nazi symbol[2][4]. The parliamentary elections in southwestern Germany are scheduled for March 8th, and the investigation may influence whether Born faces further political consequences.
It is important to note that members of the Stuttgart state parliament receive a monthly allowance of 9,322 euros, a cost allowance of 2,738 euros, and a pension contribution of 2,169 euros[8].
Sources:
- https://www.dw.com/en/german-lawmaker-draws-swastika-on-ballot-admits-guilt/a-58519597
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-lawmaker-draws-swastika-ballot-admits-guilt-2021-09-24/
- https://www.thelocal.de/20210924/german-lawmaker-draws-swastika-on-ballot-admits-guilt
- https://www.dw.com/en/german-state-lawmaker-faces-investigation-over-swastika-on-ballot/a-58523434
- https://www.dw.com/en/german-lawmaker-faces-investigation-over-swastika-on-ballot/a-58523434
- https://www.dw.com/en/german-lawmaker-draws-swastika-on-ballot-admits-guilt/a-58519597
- https://www.dw.com/en/german-lawmaker-draws-swastika-on-ballot-admits-guilt/a-58519597
- https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/staendeparlament-lohne-abgeordnete-im-bundesland-baden-wuerttemberg_id_12187894.html
Under the investigation, Born faces potential criminal charges for using a Nazi symbol due to German law's ban on such symbols, as the act has been deemed a criminal offense[2][4]. The scandal, centered around the swastika drawn by Born during a secret vote, has caused widespread condemnation in the political sphere[1][3], with the parliamentary elections approaching on March 8th potentially influencing further political consequences for Born[2]. The incident has also sparked discussions on policy-and-legislation related to the use of Nazi symbols, becoming a general-news topic of interest.
