Following the classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a reliable right-wing extremist organization, political scientists and constitutional law experts are putting party members in public service under pressure. Mainz-based political scientist Kai Arzheimer pointed out that membership in an extremist organization is “essentially incompatible” with public service activities. He told the “Handelsblatt” (Friday edition) that this could become “the subject of an individual disciplinary proceeding that may lead to dismissal.” Therefore, he expects that especially civil servants will now leave the AfD.
Magdeburg-based extremist researcher Matthias Quent sees problems for AfD members in public service. “Anyone who openly admits to being a member of a constitutionally hostile organization questions their loyalty to the democratic constitutional state” he said in the newspaper. “This can be relevant under disciplinary law and even incompatible with civil service law, but it is still a case-by-case question.” In any case, there will be increased pressure.
Berlin-based constitutional law expert Alexander Thiele also believes that civil servants will now leave the AfD, which would be “entirely understandable” to avoid an individual disciplinary proceeding that could lead to dismissal. “Whether this will happen – especially for ordinary members – is difficult to say” Thiele told the “Handelsblatt.”
Constitutional law expert Christian Pestalozza believes that a small number of party members may leave. “Why should a party member act hastily?” Pestalozza told the newspaper. No one can predict with certainty whether the assessment presented by the Federal Constitutional Protection Agency will withstand court scrutiny.