Berlin – A German lawmaker is facing internal party censure after publicly criticizing a colleague within the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The disciplinary action, however, is expected to be relatively mild.
According to reports, the AfD parliamentary group’s executive board voted on Monday afternoon to issue a “disapproval” to Rüdiger Lucassen, 74, a member of the Bundestag. A party spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating that Lucassen “used the speaker’s podium in the Bundestag for an internal party dispute.”
Höcke’s Opposition to Wehrdienst-Reform
The dispute stems from a speech Lucassen delivered in early December 2025 regarding the coalition government’s modernization of Germany’s military service law. During the speech, Lucassen referenced remarks made by Björn Höcke, the AfD’s state chairman for Thuringia. “In this speech, he comes to the conclusion that Germany is no longer worth fighting for,” Lucassen said of Höcke. “What would the men and women of the Wars of Liberation have said to that? They would never have agreed with this finding.”
Following Lucassen’s speech, the AfD’s executive board, led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, initiated disciplinary proceedings in mid-December and requested a statement from Lucassen. The party’s rules of procedure do not currently provide for a “disapproval” measure.
A Mild Reprimand for Lucassen
The AfD’s internal rules allow for more severe penalties in cases of damage to the parliamentary group, including reprimands, fines, speaking bans, suspension from office, and expulsion. By opting for a “disapproval,” the party leadership has chosen a less significant measure than a formal reprimand.
In a legal assessment from the AfD’s legal department in mid-December, it was argued that Lucassen’s comments had the potential to cause “considerable negative press” by bringing an internal debate into a public forum.
Lucassen Defends His Position
Lucassen responded to the accusations in a four-page letter to the party leadership in December, stating he did “not agree” with the allegations. He argued that his party “identifies shortcomings in current governments and combats them, but we stand by our state and its institutions.” Lucassen further asserted that upon taking power, the AfD would be responsible for “leading, nurturing, and protecting” Germany, and that those who did not accept this would “fail within weeks” and lead to the party’s downfall.
Lucassen concluded that a “disparagement of our state and its institutions” should not be the party’s guiding principle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the AfD to take action against Rüdiger Lucassen?
Lucassen publicly criticized Björn Höcke, a prominent figure within the AfD, during a speech in the Bundestag regarding the Wehrdienst-Modernisierungsgesetz.
What is the “disapproval” measure being issued to Lucassen?
The “disapproval” is a disciplinary action taken by the AfD parliamentary group’s executive board. It is a less severe penalty than other options available, such as a formal reprimand, fines, or suspension.
What was the core of Lucassen’s criticism of Höcke?
Lucassen criticized Höcke’s statement that Germany was “no longer worth fighting for,” questioning how those who fought in Germany’s past wars of liberation would have responded to such a claim.
Given this internal conflict, how might the AfD balance maintaining party unity with allowing for diverse opinions among its members?
