AfD poised to install its first state parliament speaker in Saxony-Anhalt
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is preparing to nominate Tobias Rausch as the first speaker of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, a role historically never held by a right-wing extremist since World War II.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD is set to propose Tobias Rausch as the speaker of the state parliament, potentially making him the first right-wing extremist to hold such a post since the 1930s. Rausch, who has faced accusations of nepotism for employing family members and local football players on minor contracts, says he will act impartially and that past appointments complied with the law. The party’s federal board has announced it will vote for an AfD speaker, giving the party the necessary simple majority.
Opponents argue the presidency carries significant power over staff appointments, budgetary decisions and procedural control, raising concerns about possible abuse. While Rausch claims future legislatures will ban cross-employment of relatives, he maintains that current hires were legitimate. The move is being watched as a test for a future AfD-led government and as a potential shift in the parliamentary culture of the state.
Why it matters
The appointment could give a far-right party unprecedented influence over a German state parliament's operations.
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