An employee of an Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) politician has been denied access to the German Bundestag, marking the eighth such case in the current legislative period.
According to reports, AfD politician Peter Bohnhof saw his staffer refused both a parliamentary ID card and access to internal IT systems. The Bundestag administration cited “actual and concrete indications” that unconstitutional activities could be pursued, potentially affecting “the functional and working capacity” of the parliament as well as the safety of its members. No detailed evidence has been made public.
Bundestag vice president Bodo Ramelow said the decision-making process follows rule-of-law principles, with affected individuals able to appeal. However, he also suggested that rules could be tightened, arguing that staff denied access should not continue to receive salaries.
Previous cases include individuals, such as critic of Islam Michael Stürzenberger, who was fined in 2024 for statements deemed to constitute incitement.
The developments come as AfD records unprecedented public support. A recent Forsa poll shows the party reaching a historic 28%, its highest level to date, placing it well ahead of the CDU/CSU bloc at 22%.
The governing “black-red” coalition would secure only 34% combined, far short of a parliamentary majority.
