Hesse's Prime Minister Rhein calls for AfD committee chairs in the Bundestag
CDU politician Boris Rhein speaks out in “Stern” against a ban on the AfD and calls for the party not to be denied chairs of specialist committees in the Bundestag.
Quick Look
The Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein (CDU) is in favor of granting the AfD the chairmanship of specialist committees in the Bundestag and rejects a ban procedure.
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Why It Matters
The AfD has the right to propose committee chairs in the Bundestag, but its candidates have so far failed in elections.
The Prime Minister of Hesse, Boris Rhein, advocates that the AfD should no longer be denied the chairmanship of the specialist committees in the Bundestag that it is entitled to. The CDU politician told the magazine “Stern”: “It is important to me: We clearly differentiate ourselves from the AfD, but we do not exclude the party. This must also apply to parliamentary work.”
He is a supporter of a policy of clear red lines, in terms of content and personnel. “At the same time, for example, the AfD should be able to take over committee chairs in the Bundestag - as is usual in the state parliament of Hesse and other states. The party is elected, and that’s how you should treat it,” said Rhein.
Rhine on ban proceedings: At least five years and outcome uncertain
He also spoke out against a ban. “In my opinion, there is a unanimous opinion in our party: We are not seeking a ban on the AfD.” The process would take at least five years, and the outcome is more than uncertain: “I advise fighting the AfD not legally, but politically.”
Like other parties, the AfD has the right to propose committee chairmen in the Bundestag. However, all AfD candidates failed in the elections because they were not elected by the committee members. The committee will then be chaired provisionally by another MP.
Open Questions
- How does the CDU federal party react to Rhein's initiative?
- Will other parliamentary groups in the Bundestag change their stance on AfD committee chairs?
