AfD

The AfD faction in the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament has voted out its leader Jan Bollinger shortly after a strong election result. Michael Büge takes over as new faction head. Bollinger remains in the faction and calls for loyalty to the party.

March 20, 2026 Reported by AI

In Hessian local elections on March 15, the CDU emerged strongest statewide with 29.8 percent. The SPD dropped to 20.8 percent, while the AfD gained to 14.8 percent. Turnout rose to 54.3 percent.

Lower Saxony's constitutional protection agency has classified the AfD state branch as confirmed right-wing extremist, the first such case in western Germany. Interior Minister Daniela Behrens justified this by citing the threat of right-wing extremism to society. The party has announced it will challenge the decision in court.

February 13, 2026 Reported by AI

The Bavarian Administrative Court has declared two appearances by AfD politician Björn Höcke before the local elections in Bavaria permissible. The municipalities of Seybothenreuth and Lindenberg had tried to prevent him from speaking, but the court found no sufficient grounds for a ban. The decision protects freedom of speech.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister President Manuela Schwesig has labeled the AfD a 'dangerous party'. In an interview with Stern, she warns against the right-wing populists' positions, which she considers hypocritical. Ahead of the state election on September 20, she advocates preserving freedoms since 1989.

January 23, 2026 Reported by AI

In Dresden, the trial against eight alleged members of the 'Sächsische Separatisten' began on Friday. The Federal Prosecutor's Office accuses the group of forming a terrorist organization. Defense lawyers unsuccessfully demanded the exclusion of the public.