Overview

• Daniel Born admitted he drew a swastika on a secret Landtag ballot and resigned from both the parliamentary presidium and the SPD faction
• The defaced vote occurred during a confidential election for seats on the trinational Oberrheinrat, where the AfD again failed to secure representation
• Stuttgart public prosecutors are assessing whether Born’s actions violate Section 86a of the Criminal Code against unconstitutional symbols
• Communication experts caution that the controversy plays into the AfD’s persecution narrative and could strengthen its appeal
• The episode has shifted focus away from policy issues as parties gear up for the Baden-Württemberg state election in March