The AfD parliamentary group has issued a formal “missbilligung,” or disapproval, to member of parliament Rüdiger Lucassen following a dispute over defense policy. The decision, reached on Monday afternoon, stems from Lucassen’s use of a parliamentary address to publicly criticize the views of fellow AfD member Björn Höcke.
Internal Divisions Erupt Over National Duty
The disagreement centers on Höcke’s assertion that “Germany is no longer worth fighting for,” a statement made during a speech in December regarding a modernization law for the German armed forces. Lucassen responded to Höcke’s remarks in a subsequent address, questioning what those who fought in Germany’s wars of liberation would have thought of such a statement.
Following Lucassen’s public criticism, the AfD leadership, including Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, initiated disciplinary proceedings. The party’s internal rules do not provide for a “missbilligung,” with more severe sanctions – including fines, speaking bans, and expulsion – available for damaging the group’s reputation. The leadership opted for the lesser censure of a “missbilligung.”
A Matter of Principle
During a hearing before the AfD executive board, Lucassen reportedly argued that accepting responsibility for the state and its defense is essential for assuming governmental power. He received support from AfD Honorary Chairman Alexander Gauland. However, the board largely agreed that the manner of Lucassen’s internal critique was inappropriate, a sentiment echoed by Co-Fraktionschef Chrupalla.
The AfD’s legal department reportedly argued that Lucassen’s speech caused “damage to the faction” by publicly criticizing an internal debate and generating negative press. Lucassen, in a four-page response to the leadership, maintained that he was responding to Höcke’s statement about Germany’s worthiness of defense, a position he believes undermines the party’s core principles.
Höcke, meanwhile, used a speech in the Thuringian state parliament to further articulate his views, questioning what young men would be asked to defend with a military he described as lacking “patriotism and traditions.” Lucassen countered that Höcke’s rhetoric risked portraying the AfD as abandoning Germany.
Lucassen warned the AfD leadership in his written statement that “disparaging our state and its institutions should not be our party line,” and that failure to uphold a sense of national responsibility could lead to the party’s downfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the AfD’s action against Rüdiger Lucassen?
Lucassen received a “missbilligung” from the AfD parliamentary group for publicly criticizing fellow party member Björn Höcke’s statement that Germany was no longer worth fighting for.
What is a “missbilligung”?
A “missbilligung” is a formal expression of disapproval. In this case, it is a censure issued by the AfD parliamentary group to Rüdiger Lucassen, though it is a less severe measure than other disciplinary actions available to the party.
What was Björn Höcke’s position on the matter?
Höcke stated that Germany is no longer a state he would serve and questioned what a young person would defend in the current state of the German military, citing a lack of patriotism and tradition.
How might this internal dispute affect the AfD’s future political strategy?
