Sachsen-Anhalt nach der Wahl: AfD in Magdeburg in der Mitte – Landtag ringt um Regeln

After the election in Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD party moved to the center of the Landtag. The FDP party will no longer be represented, and the BSW party will join the AfD. The most significant change in the seating arrangement is the AfD's shift from the right to the center. The AfD block of 39 members will sit directly opposite the speaker's podium during debates, signaling their intention to set the tone in the Landtag.

The AfD also proposes that committees consist of 12 members instead of the current 13. The Landtag administration suggests a composition of 11 members, which could significantly impact the AfD's ability to block policies. With 12 members, the AfD could occupy 6 seats, potentially gaining significant influence. However, with 11 members, they would have only 5 seats and would need to compromise with other factions.

The AfD performed best in the September 6th Landtag election, securing 43.8% of the vote. Together with the CDU, the Left, the Greens, and the SPD, they hold 39 seats in Parliament, with the AfD also having 39 members. The BSW has 5 members, and the majority is 42 votes. Several factions are considering legal action if the 12-member committees are established, as they believe it does not accurately reflect the election results.

The committees, where most substantive work takes place, should mirror the majority in the plenary sessions. The principle of mirror image is being discussed. In committees, draft laws, motions, and hearings are discussed. Smaller factions and the opposition have previously feared that this would change. However, representatives from other factions primarily oppose the AfD's proposal, arguing that it does not reflect the election results.

They claim it would be unconstitutional for a party without a majority in Parliament to occupy half the seats in a committee. If AfD and BSW together took 12 members each, they would "step beyond the constitutional court." AfD politician Rausch may become the president. The AfD's parliamentary business manager, Tobias Rausch, expressed openness to the question of whether 11 or 12 members should be in the committees, emphasizing the need for compromise.

However, he also noted that parliamentary jurists had indicated the AfD's proposal was constitutionally sound. He emphasized that calculations often show discrepancies. Rausch could occupy a prominent position in the new Landtag. After the discussion, Rausch confirmed to the "Magdeburger Volksstimme" that he would be willing to become the Landtag president "if my faction decides so."

He stated that he would be available for the position upon confirmation. The AfD is also considering moving the SPD and Green offices to other buildings, primarily a symbolic move. The Left party currently uses different facilities. If implemented, the entire left faction would not be fully housed in the parliament building. Both the Green parliamentary manager, Olaf Meister, and the Greens have refused to follow the proposal, stating there is no reason to move. It remains unclear if the factions will remain in the main building.