In the first year of the new Bundestag, the Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD confirm that their tougher stance against the AfD is working. “One lesson learned in the past year is that you have to slip off the soft gloves, confront AfD members directly with interjections, and expose contradictions” said Dirk Wiese, the SPD parliamentary manager, to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” in its Wednesday issue. He added that this approach throws figures like Alice Weidel off‑balance and forces them to react uncharacteristically.
According to the Bundestag, 49 order‑calls were issued in the first year for conduct that hurt the dignity of the parliament-40 directed at AfD MPs and nine at the Greens (Linke). That sets a new record; the previous maximum was 135 order‑calls during the 2021‑2025 legislative period.
To reinforce the new rules, Union and SPD amended the procedural code. If a member receives three order‑calls in a single session, they are automatically ejected from the chamber. Three order‑calls within three sessions trigger an automatic fine. The fine amount has been doubled: from €1,000 to €2,000, and a repeat offense raises the fine to €4,000.
Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary manager of the Union, told the newspaper that the dynamics in the Bundestag have visibly changed since last year’s federal election. “The larger AfD caucus has increased the noise and aggression in the plenary chamber” he said. “There are more provocations and personal defamations, particularly targeting speakers who are increasingly subjected to unfounded interruptions and verbal attacks”.
Bilger also noted that such conduct exists on both political sides. “Besides the AfD, members of the Left also repeatedly resort to personal attacks and deliberate disruptions in the plenary” he said.
The new Bundestag first convened on 25 March 2025. The Union holds 208 seats, the AfD 150, and the SPD 120.