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Munich Security Conference Reverses Ban to Invite AfD Specialists in 2026

The reversal follows Wolfgang Ischinger's return as acting chair.

Overview

  • Invitations were sent before Christmas to lawmakers from all Bundestag parties with priority for foreign and security committee specialists.
  • Acting chair Wolfgang Ischinger made the decision in coordination with the MSC board after stepping in while Jens Stoltenberg remains in government.
  • AfD parliamentary leader Alice Weidel has not received an invitation so far, and organizers say the invitation process is still underway.
  • CSU Bundestag leader Alexander Hoffmann criticized the move, warning of security risks due to AfD contacts with Russia and China.
  • The 2026 conference runs 13–15 February in Munich, following two years of exclusions under Christoph Heusgen that drew public criticism from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.