Union Opposes AfD Deputy Elections in Bundestag Committees

The Union faction in the Bundestag has reiterated its opposition to the election of deputies from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in various committees. This comes after the AfD was unable to secure any chair positions in the recent committee elections. The Union, which holds a significant position in the Bundestag, aims to prevent the AfD from gaining further influence through deputy roles.

According to Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary manager of the Union faction, the AfD's classification by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a party with confirmed right-wing extremist tendencies plays a crucial role in this decision. Bilger stated that the Union finds it unacceptable to allow the AfD to hold deputy positions, especially given the party's increasingly extreme political stance.

In the recent elections for committee chairs, the AfD had the right to propose candidates in six out of the 24 Bundestag committees. However, all of their candidates failed to achieve the necessary majority voting in these elections. The committees where the AfD proposed candidates include the Budget Committee, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Finance Committee, the Committee on Labor and Social Affairs, the Interior Committee, and the Petitions Committee.

Bilger emphasized that while the election of deputies is conducted through secret ballot, the overall rejection of the AfD by the majority in the Bundestag stems from their conduct and the increasingly radical nature of their political positions. The upcoming deputy elections are expected to reflect this sentiment, as the Union remains firm in its stance against the AfD's participation.

The political landscape continues to evolve, with various parties positioning themselves in response to the AfD's rise. The Union's firm stance against the AfD's involvement in parliamentary committees indicates a broader concern regarding the implications of the party's presence in German politics. As the political discourse develops, the implications for the Bundestag's operation and the dynamics between parties will be closely monitored.