The Constitutional Court in Koblenz has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) against former Rhineland-Palatinate Prime Minister Malu Dreyer and the state government. The AfD alleged that Dreyer violated the principle of political neutrality through her statements. However, the court ruled that Dreyer's remarks were a legitimate defense of the free democratic order, aimed at countering parties perceived as a threat to constitutional values.
The judges found no defamatory intent in Dreyer's statements and deemed them legally justified. This decision underscores the importance of protecting democratic principles and sets a precedent for how public officials can address issues related to constitutional threats. Dreyer welcomed the court's decision, viewing it as a victory for democracy.
Meanwhile, the AfD achieved a notable political milestone in Thuringia. The state parliament elected Bernd Falk Wittig, a candidate proposed by the AfD, as a deputy member of the Constitutional Court. This marks the first time an AfD nominee has been elected to such a position, highlighting the party's growing influence in the region. Despite this success, there remains significant opposition to the AfD within the parliament, with the SPD voting against Wittig's appointment due to concerns over the party's stance on the judiciary.
The court's ruling in Koblenz and the developments in Thuringia illustrate the ongoing tensions between upholding democratic values and navigating political influence within Germany's legal and political frameworks.
