Controversy and Calls for Resignation at AfD Party Conference

375

At the recent AfD party conference in Greding, the party faced significant internal conflict, particularly surrounding the case of the young Landtag member Daniel Halemba. The party base has now called for Halemba to resign from his parliamentary mandate amidst growing concerns over his actions and affiliations within the party.

Daniel Halemba’s Situation

Daniel Halemba, a 22-year-old member of the AfD and associated with the party’s right-wing faction, faces allegations of manipulating the list placement for the Landtag elections in his favor. He is also under investigation by the Würzburg public prosecutor’s office for charges including incitement of the people (Volksverhetzung). Despite these allegations, Halemba is not legally obliged to follow the party’s call for his resignation.

The Party’s Internal Response

The party conference saw 161 members propose a motion for Halemba’s resignation, which received over 57% support. Additionally, the AfD’s state executive proposed a two-year internal ban on holding office within the party for Halemba. This motion was proposed instead of an expulsion procedure, as some accusations against Halemba were deemed unsustainable upon review.

Conflict Within AfD

Halemba’s case reflects deeper divisions within the AfD, particularly between its more moderate members and the right-wing faction. His close association with the dissolved but still active “Flügel” network around Thuringian state leader Björn Höcke has further heightened tensions. The party’s leadership, under Stephan Protschka, has been criticized for its handling of the situation, accused of inaction and reluctance to address the issues head-on.

Planned Provocation in the Landtag

The conference also revealed a planned provocation involving Halemba in the Landtag (state parliament). Martin Böhm, AfD’s deputy parliamentary group leader, advised Halemba to use his arrest warrant for a public spectacle in the Landtag, aimed at delegitimizing Landtag President Ilse Aigner (CSU). This revelation has sparked outrage from various political figures, condemning the AfD’s tactics as an attack on democratic institutions.

Criticism and Reactions

Prominent political figures, including CSU faction leader Klaus Holetschek and Free Voters faction leader Florian Streibl, have strongly criticized the AfD’s actions. They view these tactics as an affront to democratic values and an attempt to destabilize the political system. The increasing radicalization within the AfD and its impact on the Bavarian Landtag have become a point of significant concern.

The AfD party conference in Greding has brought to light internal conflicts and controversial tactics within the party. The call for Daniel Halemba’s resignation, along with the revelation of planned provocations against democratic processes, underscores the challenges facing the AfD as it navigates its position within the German political landscape. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle within the party between different factions and the broader implications for German politics.