AfD Politician Petr Bystron Faces Allegations of Misusing Public Funds for Private Staff

German politician Petr Bystron, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, is under intense scrutiny following revelations that he allegedly misused public funds to employ private staff by disguising them as parliamentary employees. Investigations by “Zeit Online” have uncovered a pattern of financial irregularities that could have serious legal repercussions for the EU Parliament representative.

Misuse of Parliamentary Staff Allowances

According to investigative reports, Bystron employed his personal lawyer, Peter Solloch, and a private cleaning staff member as official employees within his Bundestag office. Solloch was reportedly employed for over six years, receiving a monthly salary of €3,700 from the parliamentary staff allowance designated for supporting legislative duties. However, during his tenure, Solloch also acted as Bystron’s attorney in at least five private legal matters, including a case involving an alleged Hitler salute.

Insiders reveal that the fees Solloch earned from these private cases amounted to tens of thousands of euros. It is alleged that Bystron covertly reimbursed these expenses through Solloch’s official salary, effectively channeling public funds for personal legal services. This practice, if confirmed, constitutes a misuse of taxpayer money and violates the Bundestag’s regulations, which clearly state that legal representation of parliament members is not part of their official duties.

Additional Allegations Involving Other Staff Members

The investigation extends beyond Solloch to include other individuals employed by Bystron. Dagmar S., a staff member in Bystron’s Munich constituency office, was convicted in 2021 and 2023 for illegal possession of weapons and violations of the War Arms Control Act. It is alleged that Bystron employed Alla R. as a parliamentary advisor at a monthly salary of €520. However, according to faction members, Alla R. was rarely present in the Bundestag and instead worked as a cleaning staff member in Bystron’s Berlin residence. Should these allegations hold, Bystron could face substantial fines, potentially amounting to half of his annual parliamentary compensation.

Controversial Hiring Practices and Previous Investigations

Bystron’s questionable hiring practices are not limited to the misuse of staff allowances. Two years ago, he advocated for the employment of a Chinese staff member who was subsequently dismissed following a security review by the Verfassungsschutz (Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution). Additionally, a representative from the radical right-wing faction of the AfD, aligned with Björn Höcke, was briefly employed in Bystron’s office, further raising concerns about his personnel decisions.

Currently, Bystron is under investigation for money laundering and bribery. Authorities suspect that he received funds from the pro-Russian portal “Voice of Europe” in exchange for advocating Russian interests within the Bundestag. In May, the Bundestag lifted Bystron’s parliamentary immunity, allowing investigators to conduct multiple search operations. However, following his transition to the European Parliament, these investigations were temporarily halted. As an EU Parliament member, Bystron enjoys immunity once again, and further investigations will only proceed if his immunity is revoked.

Implications and Potential Consequences

The allegations against Petr Bystron highlight significant issues of accountability and transparency within political offices. Misusing public funds for personal gain undermines public trust and violates ethical standards expected of elected officials. If the investigations confirm the misuse of funds, Bystron could face hefty fines and potential disqualification from his parliamentary duties.

Furthermore, these revelations add to the growing scrutiny of AfD politicians and their adherence to legal and ethical norms. Bystron’s case may prompt broader reviews of staff employment practices across other political parties to prevent similar abuses of power and public resources.

Future Developments and Ongoing Investigations

As the investigation into Bystron’s activities continues, attention remains focused on the potential lifting of his immunity by the European Parliament. Should authorities gather sufficient evidence, efforts to revoke his immunity will intensify, allowing for a more thorough investigation and potential prosecution.

Bystron’s case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent oversight and the need for robust mechanisms to prevent the misuse of public funds. It also underscores the necessity for political parties to enforce ethical standards and ensure that their members adhere to the highest levels of integrity.

Broader Political Repercussions

The unfolding scandal involving Petr Bystron could have wider implications for the AfD, potentially affecting its reputation and electoral prospects. As voters become increasingly aware of such misconduct, political parties may face heightened demands for transparency and accountability. This situation could lead to internal reforms within the AfD and other parties to strengthen oversight of staff employment and financial practices.

Moreover, the case highlights the challenges faced by political institutions in balancing member immunity with the need for accountability. Ensuring that elected officials are held responsible for their actions without compromising their ability to perform their duties is a delicate balance that lawmakers and regulatory bodies must navigate carefully.

Petr Bystron’s alleged misuse of public funds to employ private staff under the guise of parliamentary employees has sparked significant controversy and legal scrutiny. As investigations progress, the outcome will not only determine the fate of Bystron but also influence broader discussions about ethical practices and accountability within German politics. The case serves as a crucial test for political institutions in maintaining integrity and public trust in their operations.