Overview

• Jens Spahn of the CDU argues for treating the AfD like any other opposition party in parliamentary procedures to prevent reinforcing its 'victimhood' narrative.
• SPD leaders, including Katja Mast, warn that granting the AfD committee roles could legitimize extremist elements and compromise democratic institutions.
• The Bundesverfassungsgericht has ruled that committee chair assignments are discretionary, with no automatic entitlement for any party, including the AfD.
• Some CDU members, like Roderich Kiesewetter, oppose AfD appointments to security-related committees, citing risks to national security and constitutional integrity.
• The debate underscores broader tensions between acknowledging the AfD's electoral support and safeguarding democratic norms in Germany’s parliament.