SPD Bundestag member Sonja Eichwede has called for stricter rules against nepotism in the federal parliament. She argues that relatives of members should not be employed in the offices of other members from the same faction. “I do not think that is acceptable” Eichwede told the news magazine Politico.
Eichwede stresses that the issue is about trust in institutions and the prudent use of taxpayers’ money. “It must therefore be about the quality of the work and the competence of the employees” she said. She pointed to cases, particularly within the AfD faction, where she sees a lack of a sense of decorum. “We really need to consider a legal tightening, just like some state parliaments have already done” she added.
Specifically, Eichwede proposes that the existing rule-prohibiting members from hiring their own relatives in their offices-be extended to the offices of fellow faction members. This would ensure that hiring decisions are based on qualifications rather than family ties.
Eichwede rejects a blanket equivalence of party friendship with nepotism. She believes that, for colleagues within the same party, performance and suitability can be more accurately assessed through joint work. “The key is that the selection process remains transparent and qualification‑based” she said.