Dobrindt Rejects Automatic Consequences for Civil Servants Affiliated with AfD

In a recent statement, Alexander Dobrindt, the designated Federal Minister of the Interior, emphasized that civil servants who are members of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) will not face immediate disciplinary actions despite the party's classification as a right-wing extremist group by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Dobrindt asserted that there are no blanket repercussions for officials who identify with the AfD, noting that the loyalty to the constitution required of civil servants must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Dobrindt's remarks align with those made by Herbert Reul, the Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, who previously stated that any attempt to remove a public servant from their position would necessitate clear evidence demonstrating a breach of their loyalty to the state through words or actions. Reul stressed the importance of thorough evaluations rather than hasty decisions, advocating for a careful approach that allows for necessary consequences.

The discussion surrounding possible repercussions for AfD members gained traction following the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's recent classification of the party as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization. Speculation regarding potential legal actions against the AfD, including a possible ban on the party, has been circulating, although CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is set to be elected as Chancellor, has remained cautious in his comments regarding such measures.

In a notable development, Sieghard Knodel, a newly elected AfD representative from Baden-Württemberg, has announced his resignation from both the party and its parliamentary group. In his correspondence regarding his decision, Knodel explained that the classification of the AfD as a confirmed right-wing extremist entity by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has compelled him to safeguard his personal and professional environment.

Recent polling data indicates a slight decline in public support for the AfD, which has lost 0.5 percentage points, bringing its approval rating down to 24.5%. Concurrently, the CDU has experienced a similar drop, landing at 24.5% as well. In contrast, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has gained 0.5 percentage points, increasing its rating to 16%.