On April 17, 2025, a heated debate erupted in German politics as Heidi Reichinnek, the leader of the Left Party (Die Linke), publicly criticized the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for its approach towards the Alternative for Germany (AfD). This criticism comes in light of CDU Vice President Jens Spahn's recent comments suggesting that the AfD should be treated like any other opposition party in parliamentary proceedings.
Reichinnek did not hold back in her condemnation, stating in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, "Individuals like Jens Spahn, who still do not understand that the AfD is a right-wing extremist party that tramples on human rights and aims to destroy democracy, are part of the problem." Her remarks highlight the growing concern among opposition parties regarding the normalization of the AfD, which is often described as a far-right party.
Spahn's remarks were intended to promote a more normalized interaction with the AfD, arguing that acknowledging the party's electoral success—having garnered millions of votes—was essential to avoid creating a sense of victimhood among its members. He stated, "We should treat the AfD in parliamentary procedures like any other opposition party to avoid a 'victim role.'" However, this perspective was met with fierce resistance from Reichinnek and other political figures.
Franziska Brantner, co-chair of the Greens, also weighed in, asserting, "If the AfD were an opposition party like any other, Mr. Spahn wouldn’t even think of saying such a thing. But it is not." She emphasized that the AfD is a destructive organization that seeks to undermine democratic freedoms.
Following the February 2025 Bundestagswahl, the AfD emerged as the second-largest faction in the Bundestag, holding over 150 seats. Despite this significant presence, the party has been denied key positions such as the vice presidency of the Bundestag and chairpersons of committees. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has been particularly active in blocking the AfD's access to prominent parliamentary spaces, including the Otto-Wels-Saal, the second-largest meeting room in the Bundestag. This hall is named after Otto Wels, who famously opposed the Nazi regime in 1933, making the decision to deny the AfD access a symbolic gesture.
In light of these developments, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz) has classified the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist party. Recent reports from the Bavarian Verfassungsschutz have warned about the party's rhetoric, which they claim disparages the democratic system of Germany.
Reichinnek's call for resistance against the normalization of the AfD is not only a political stance but also a historical one. She referenced the dangers posed by extremist ideologies throughout history, urging her colleagues to remain vigilant. "I will continue to listen to my conscience and not to Jens Spahn," she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to opposing any attempts to legitimize the AfD within the political sphere.
The internal dynamics within the CDU are also noteworthy, as Spahn's comments have sparked discussions among party members. Some CDU district associations, such as the Harzer, have even suggested reconsidering the party's firewall against the AfD. However, Spahn himself clarified that he does not support any form of collaboration with the AfD, which adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.
The upcoming elections for committee chairpersons are set to intensify these discussions, as the AfD is pushing for its rights as a substantial parliamentary faction. Brantner has already indicated that the Greens will continue to deny the AfD access to critical positions.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the tensions surrounding the AfD and its role in German politics are likely to remain a focal point of contention. The calls for determined resistance from figures like Reichinnek reflect a broader concern about the implications of normalizing a party that many believe threatens the very foundations of democracy.
In conclusion, the discourse surrounding the AfD's place in the Bundestag encapsulates a critical moment in German politics. As parties grapple with the implications of the AfD's growing influence, the need for a clear stance against extremism becomes ever more pressing.
