How one German state is blocking AfD members from civil service roles
The western German state is changing the rules around recruitment for civil servants.
Specifically, applicants for government positions will be required to declare that they do not belong to an extremist organisation (and have not in the past five years).
The move effectively bans AfD members from becoming civil servants, because the far-right party is under observation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in the state of in Rhineland-Palatine.
READ ALSO:
Far-right AfD gets surprise over common names of German benefits recipients
The rule change may impact existing employees in the public sector as well. Going forward, membership of an extremist organisation could constitute a disciplinary offence.
Disciplinary actions would vary depending on individual cases, but employees with proven violations of their duty of loyalty to the constitution could expect to be removed from service.
"Loyalty to the constitution is not a wish or a recommendation…it is the immovable duty of every civil servant in our country," said interior minister Ebling. "Anyone who puts himself at the service of this state must be loyal to the constitution at all times, without ifs and buts."
According to the state's interior ministry office, even stricter requirements apply to police officers.
AfD politician rejects the move
The AfD is not happy about the move, and has reacted with criticism of the interior minister.
AfD member of parliament and deputy state chairman Sebastian Münzenmaier slammed the move as a 'declaration of political bankruptcy'.
Advertisement
In defence of the rule change, state interior minister Ebling said that 'a suspected case [of extremism] means that there are sufficiently verifiable indications of anti-constitutional tendencies'.
The AfD party has been designated as a
confirmed extremist
organisation in several German states.
In May, the party was labeled as a right-wing extremist group
at the national level
by Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV). However, the party immediately
challenged the label in court
, causing the BfV to suspend the classification until the legal appeal is resolved.
FACT CHECK:
Are immigrants in Germany taking advantage of the welfare state?
With reporting by DPA.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
DW
2 hours ago
- DW
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks 100 days in office – DW – 08/12/2025
Friedrich Merz has begun curbing irregular immigration and shaping foreign policy, while cracks are appearing in his government. Germany's largest-circulation tabloid, , has passed judgment on Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU): "The solitary chancellor explains his biggest mistake," the paper wrote this week. They were referring to the German head of government's latest surprising decision: To immediately stop supplying weapons to Israel that could also be used in the war in the Gaza Strip. Merz made this decision without prior comprehensive debate in his own center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party and, according to , its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), was not even informed. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This was the latest in a series of turnabouts and surprise decisions Merz had made since coming to office. His chancellorship got off to a bungled start: When following the February 23 general election, the new Bundestag, convened to elect a new head of government, observers had high hopes for a new stability. The previous center-left government of Social Democrats (SPD), environmentalist Greens and neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) had collapsed after only three years, which were marred by continual infighting mainly over budget issues. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) doubled its share of the vote in the February 2025 federal election, to 20.8%. A survey by pollster Forsa in early August, put the AfD ahead of the CDU/CSU at 26% compared to 24%. However, on May 6, Friedrich Merz initially failed to gain the required number of votes to become chancellor. He lacked six votes from his own camp, and managed to secure the necessary majority only in an unprecedented second vote. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The new government started with a bang even before taking office: Together with the Greens, now in opposition, it organized a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag to lift the strict German rules around state borrowing, despite having made election promises to safeguard the so-called debt brake, enshrined in the constitution. The new government will have a gigantic additional €500 billion ($583 billion) in theory unlimited means to upgrade the Bundeswehr armed forces and more than a further €500 billion for the renewal of infrastructure, new roads, railway tracks and schools, and for climate protection initiatives. The new Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil of the SPD said: "The OECD, the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission or the G7 — in recent years all have encouraged and advised Germany to invest more and make our debt rules more flexible. That was not possible until now. But here in Parliament, we have finally loosened these chains, and we are investing more strongly than ever in the future viability of our country." Another election promise was seen to be broken in June: Electricity prices had widely been expected to be lowered for everyone. Then, the government announced a reduction in electricity tax only for the industrial, agricultural and forestry sectors, arguing there was no budget for a comprehensive electricity price break. In the 100 days since taking office, Merz was primarily occupied with foreign policy. Shortly after he was voted in, he made a high-profile trip to Kyiv with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to assure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of European solidarity. In early June, he visited US President Donald Trump at the White House and, in contrast to some other visitors, was treated well. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Merz seemed at ease at EU and NATO summits. Merz has been so outspoken on foreign policy that his Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, often faded into the background. Occasionally, the chancellor's undiplomatic choice of words has sparked outrage, such as following Israel's June 13 attack on Iran: "This is the dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime. This mullah-regime has brought death and destruction to the world. With attacks, with blood and thunder. With Hezbollah, with Hamas." In domestic matters, the issue of curbing irregular immigration has been key. The new Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) moved quickly to tighten controls at Germany's border. This also included rejections of asylum seekers, which critics argue breaches EU law. Germany's eastern neighbor Poland, responded in kind to Dobrindt's measures, introducing controls that led to long traffic jams on both sides of the border. Dobrindt repeatedly defended his decisions: "The EU is a cosmopolitan region. We remain a cosmopolitan region. But we do not want it so that illegal smugglers, traffickers and criminal gangs get to decide who comes to our region. We want political decisions to specify the legal ways to come to Europe; we will not surrender that to criminal gangs," he said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The last session of the Bundestag before its summer break ended with a bang: The confirmation of three new judges to the Federal Constitutional Court was on the agenda. In the past, coalition partners had always managed to fill such important roles as amicably and smoothly as possible to preserve the reputation of the highest German court. But not this time: Dozens of conservative lawmakers refused to vote in the candidate put forward by the SPD, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, who had been approved for nomination by a bipartisan committee. There had been pushback against her appointment, especially on right-wing social media channels misrepresenting her liberal views on abortion. On the day of the vote, dubious plagiarism charges were leveled at the candidate and the vote was canceled. The SPD spoke of a serious breach of trust. Although the party continued to back her, Brosius-Gersdorf later withdrew her candidacy. The issue of the judges' appointments will continue beyond the summer recess and represents the first major crisis within the coalition, casting a shadow over the government's record after 100 days in you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
DW
19 hours ago
- DW
Mexico: Adidas apologizes for cultural appropriation – DW – 08/11/2025
German sportswear brand Adidas has apologized for "cultural appropriation" in the design of its "Oaxaca Slip-On" shoe. The Indigenous-inspired design attracted criticism in Mexico, including from President Sheinbaum. German sportswear manufacturer Adidas has issued an apology after being accused of cultural appropriation in the design of its new "Oaxaca Slip-On" shoe. The shoe, designed by US designer Willy Chavarria, is inspired by the "huarache" sandals traditionally worn by Indigenous villagers from Villa Hidalgo Yalalag in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, who weren't involved in the production. "Adidas values the cultural richness of Mexico's Indigenous communities and the importance of their craft heritage," the Bavaria-based company said in a statement on Monday. "The Oaxaca Slip-On was inspired by a design from Oaxaca rooted in the tradition of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag," it continued. "We apologize publicly and reaffirm our commitment to working with Yalalag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural heritage." The issue went as far as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who described the shoe design as "inappropriate cultural appropriation," saying: "Large companies are taking products, ideas and designs from our country's Indigenous communities. That is intellectual property." Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara said on social media that "huaraches from Yalalag are part of the cultural heritage of this community, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and reflects its identity," adding: "This heritage is one of our greatest treasures, and we must not allow it to be treated as a commodity." Mexico passed legislation in 2022 to protect Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples' intellectual and cultural property, with unauthorized use now punishable with fines and even prison sentences. In a statement to the BBC, Chavarria, a former senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein, said he was "deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community." He continued: "The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities – a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me. This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, Villa Hidalgo Yalalag and its people deserve."
DW
a day ago
- DW
Ukraine updates: Merz invites Trump, Zelenskyy to meeting – DW – 08/11/2025
German Chancellor Merz has invited Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a virtual meeting ahead of Trump's planned meeting with Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, EU ministers are also meeting via video link. DW has more. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a virtual meeting on Wednesday, It comes ahead of a summit in Alaska later this week where Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. European Union foreign ministers are also meeting via video link to discuss the upcoming Alaska summit, The EU has already expressed concern over the lack of Ukrainian presence in Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday invited US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and several European leaders to a virtual meeting, to take place on Wednesday ahead of the Trump-Putin summit later this week. The German chancellery said in a statement that the talks would concentrate on "the current situation in Ukraine with a view to the planned meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin." The chancellery also said the talks would focus on "further options for action to put pressure on Russia" as well as "preparations for possible peace negotiations and related issues of territorial claims and security." The foreign ministers' virtual huddle on Monday is more of a debrief after smaller talks with the US near London than deliberations on concrete EU action. There's little new in Europe's position — but in a way, that's the point. The EU's big players have spent the last few months trying to demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine by maintaining military, financial and political backing in the face of shifting US policies and a drawdown in support from across the Atlantic. Aware there will likely be no seat for Europe at Friday's Trump-Putin talks, the EU now seems keen to remind both sides that it, too, is key to any potential peace accord. Frozen Russian central bank assets, extensive EU sanctions on Moscow, ongoing support to Kyiv and a possible role as future security guarantors — these are some of Europe's areas of leverage. The bloc also wants to send a message to Moscow that trying to cut a deal directly with Washington won't cut Europe out of the picture. EU capitals will be watching Friday's talks "extremely attentively" — one diplomat told DW — conscious of how quickly things could move. US Vice President JD Vance said an eventual negotiated settlement would probably leave both Russia and Ukraine unhappy in one way or another. With the gap in positions so wide, it's likely Europe would find itself in the same boat. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a "long conversation" with Narendra Modi on Monday, where the Ukrainian president "informed" the Indian prime minister "about the Russian attacks on our cities and villages." "And this is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war," Zelenskyy wrote on X. "Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings. It is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine's participation." Zelenskyy's remarks come amid concerns over the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy and Modi also "discussed in detail the sanctions against Russia." India has been heavily criticized in the West for increasing imports of Russian fossil fuels in the face of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. India's oil purchases from Russia grew nearly 19-fold from 2021 to 2024, from 0.1 to 1.9 million barrels a day. And Zelenskyy "noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday warned against capitulating to the demands of Vladimir Putin ahead of talks between the Russian president and Donald Trump. The US-Russia summit is set to take place in Alaska on Friday and will be the first between a sitting US and Russian president since 2021. Kyiv is concerned that Trump and Putin could strike a deal requiring Ukraine to cede territory. "Russia is dragging out the war, and therefore it deserves stronger global pressure," Zelenskyy wrote in a statement. "Russia refuses to stop the killings, and therefore must not receive any rewards or benefits. And this is not just a moral position, it is a rational one." "Concessions do not persuade a killer," he added. Russia has become increasingly reliant on drones in its attacks on Ukrainian cities. Mass production of the Iranian-designed weapons began a year ago in Tatarstan, in central Russia. Independent Russian reporters say that children are involved in drone production and development. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video EU foreign ministers on Monday are to discuss a Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meeting in Alaska later this week. The ministers are set to meet via video link, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha also planning to join. Trump and Putin will meet on Friday, but the EU has insisted that Kyiv and European powers should be part of any arrangement to end the war that began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over the weekend, European leaders pushed for Ukraine's involvement in the talks, amid fears that a meeting without Kyiv could see if forced to cede swaths of territory. "The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine," leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Britain and Finland and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement, urging Trump to put more pressure on Russia. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday he hoped and assumed that Zelenskyy would attend the Alaska summit. Leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries — Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden — also said no decisions should be taken without Ukrainian involvement. Talks on ending the war could only take place during a ceasefire, they added in a joint statement. "The US has the power to force Russia to negotiate seriously. Any deal between the US and Russia must have Ukraine and the EU included, for it is a matter of Ukraine's and the whole of Europe's security," the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington is working on arranging a meeting between Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy. "We're at a point now where we're trying to figure out, frankly, scheduling and things like that around when these three leaders could sit down and discuss an end to this conflict," Vance said during an interview on Fox News. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has said that seven Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russia's air defense systems overnight on Sunday and into Monday morning. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry and a regional official said three people were killed in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the regions of Tula, Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow. Welcome to DW's coverage of the latest developments in the Russian war on Ukraine. European Union foreign ministers are set to hold talks via video link ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. The Europeans want to push for Ukraine's involvement in any peace talks with Russia. Monday's meeting comes amid an apparent stance change by Trump toward Ukraine and Russia, with him threatening harsher sanctions against Russia if it doesn't agree to a ceasefire.
