An AfD deputy challenges a fine of 1000 euros in court
The AfD party in Bavaria is taking legal action against new disciplinary laws that allow for large fines for misconduct within the Bavarian parliament (Landtag). The party announced that it has filed a lawsuit with the Bavarian Constitutional Court, asserting that these measures are excessive.
Since the summer of 2024, the old reprimand system has been replaced with a stricter three-stage system. A formal warning can first be issued to deputies who cause disorder. If the disruptive behavior continues, a fine of up to 2000 euros can be imposed, while the fine may reach 4000 euros in case of repeated offenses. As a last resort, a member may be excluded from parliamentary sessions.
The first case under these laws was recorded last March when AfD MP Oscar Lübhe was fined 1,000 euros for using the Nazi term Endsieg ('final victory') during a discussion. Parliament President Ilse Aigner (CSU) described the phrase as a serious violation of order and the dignity of parliament. Lübhe also filed a private lawsuit to challenge the fine.
In comparison to the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) in Berlin, Bavaria's regulations are stricter. At the federal level, the maximum fines for violations are set at 2000 euros, while in Bavaria they can reach double that amount, in addition to the possibility of exclusion from discussions.
The AfD party asserts that these measures unfairly target its members and restrict freedom of expression within the parliament. The Bavarian Constitutional Court is set to decide whether these laws regarding fines and penalties are in accordance with democratic principles.