Two Cases Identified in Extremist Background Checks for Civil Servants in Brandenburg

In an effort to ensure that individuals with extremist views do not enter the civil service, Brandenburg has implemented a new constitutional loyalty check for prospective civil servants. This initiative, which has been in effect since September, aims to identify candidates who may have associations with anti-democratic movements.

According to a spokesperson from the Interior Ministry, the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution has already provided information on two specific cases. However, details regarding how the respective agencies responded to this information have not been disclosed.

Approximately a year ago, the Brandenburg parliament mandated that a routine inquiry with the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution would precede the oath of office for new civil servants. This inquiry checks whether candidates have been involved in activities that oppose the democratic constitutional order.

The implementation of this check was a contentious issue during the coalition negotiations between the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Alliance for Germany (BSW), which opposes the initiative. Both parties, however, agree that only those who support democratic principles should be allowed to serve as civil servants in Brandenburg. As stated in the coalition agreement, the process will be reviewed later this year, particularly concerning its implications on civil rights and disciplinary law.

Robert Crumbach, the current state chair of the BSW, has expressed optimism about the swift resolution of the review process. He anticipates that clarifications will be made within this year regarding the checks.

Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) emphasized that there is no disagreement with the coalition partner on the objective of preventing extremists from holding positions in the civil service. She also noted that existing laws already allow for the removal of extremists from public service without the need for this new check.

The initiative was originally championed by former CDU Interior Minister Michael Stübgen. Meanwhile, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has already filed a lawsuit against the constitutional loyalty check.

Another contentious aspect of this initiative is the enhanced disciplinary measures against individuals in the civil service identified as constitutional enemies. Previously, such cases required legal proceedings to remove them from service; the new regulations will enable the state to act more decisively.