Brandenburg to Reevaluate Controversial Loyalty Check for Civil Servants

The SPD and BSW coalition plans a spring review of the Verfassungstreue-Check, citing concerns about its impact on civil liberties and fairness.

The Verfassungstreue-Check, introduced in September 2024, mandates background checks by the Brandenburg Verfassungsschutz for all prospective civil servants to assess their loyalty to democratic principles.
The SPD-BSW coalition has agreed to accelerate an evaluation of the law, originally scheduled for 2027, with preparations for the review already underway.
BSW leaders argue the measure enables excessive and arbitrary scrutiny, potentially undermining the rule of law and fundamental rights of applicants.
The SPD, while initially supporting the measure under a CDU-led coalition, has expressed openness to revisiting its necessity and effectiveness under the new government.
Critics, including the BSW and some legal experts, draw parallels to Germany's controversial 1972 Radikalenerlass, warning of potential misuse and disproportionate impacts.