Probing the Compatibility of AfD Membership and Public Service: SPD's Question in Light of the AfD's Classification
SPD Ponders over AfD Party's Compatibility with Public Service: Is There a Clash? - SPD and AfD Party: Compatibility in Party Operations and Public Service?
In the wake of Brandenburg's AfD being labeled as a "securely right-wing extremist endeavor," the SPD is scrutinizing the compatibility of AfD membership with public service duties. "We'll delve into reports from federal and state constitutional protection agencies, focusing on potential implications for Brandenburg," stated SPD parliamentary group leader, Björn Lüttmann, as per a party statement. "We'll also assess the feasibility of holding a public service position while being part of a party classified as right-wing extremist."
The State of Suspicion: AfD Upgraded
The AfD in Brandenburg received this classification in April, as announced by Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD). However, she didn't learn of this re-evaluation until May 5. Following this trust violation, Lange dismissed the head of the constitutional protection agency, Jörg Müller. "The required trust is no longer there," Lange stated. The federal AfD was also labeled as securely right-wing extremist.
A Skewed Story?
There are growing doubts about Lange's account, according to media reports. It's alleged that she was privy to the planned upgrade beforehand. "The hierarchy change in the constitutional protection agency's leadership is due to the delayed disclosure that the Brandenburg AfD state association was classified as securely right-wing extremist," SPD parliamentary group leader Lüttmann clarified instead.
It's urgent to fill the vacancy swiftly and competently to fortify trust in the constitutional protection agency's efficacy.
- AfD
- SPD
- Upgrade
- Katrin Lange
- Brandenburg
- Björn Lüttmann
- Constitutional Protection
- State Parliament
- Trust
- Potsdam
Additional Insights:
Katrin Lange's Awareness of the Planned Upgrade:Though there is no explicit evidence that Katrin Lange, the Brandenburg Interior Minister, was previously aware of the planned upgrade in the AfD's classification, the timeline of events raises questions about her awareness. The classification was made by the Brandenburg Verfassungsschutz (Office for the Protection of the Constitution), and it was only communicated to Lange on May 5, 2025[1].
Firing of the Head of Constitutional Protection Agency:The head of the Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Jörg Müller, was fired by Katrin Lange for reasons concerning a breach of trust. Although Müller did not violate any official regulations, his failure to update senior management in a timely manner was perceived as a breach of trust[1][2]. Müller defended his actions, stating he had informed other state offices about the classification[1].
- The SPD is investigating whether AfD membership is compatible with public service duties, following the brandenburg AfD's classification as a securely right-wing extremist endeavor.
- SPD parliamentary group leader, Björn Lüttmann, stated that they will assess the feasibility of holding a public service position while being part of a party classified as right-wing extremist.
- The AfD in Brandenburg received this classification in April, announced by Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD), but she didn't learn of this re-evaluation until May 5.
- The State of Suspicion: AfD Upgraded, raising doubts about Katrin Lange's account regarding her awareness of the planned upgrade in the AfD's classification.
