From red / dpa / lsw
The former AfD parliamentary group leader Emil Sänze criticizes the new parliamentary group.
Photo: dpa / Tom Weller
Beginners and young people: Ex-AfD parliamentary group vice-president Emil Sänze sees the new parliamentary group as critical. The party must again show a clear edge in order to set itself apart.
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From red / dpa / lsw
08/20/2021 – 6:53 am
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Stuttgart – The former parliamentary deputy of the AfD in the state parliament, Emil Sänze, finds his new parliamentary group far too adapted and streamlined. “If we are compatible with the CDU, we are no longer needed,” said Sänze of the German Press Agency. Among the newcomers to the group are “beginners and young people” who first have to recognize the realities. Naivety meets empirical values. “Many believe that they have to behave in a civilized manner according to the guidelines of the other parties,” criticized Sänze.
The parliamentary group had to show a clearer edge again
The AfD parliamentary group must again show more clear lines in order to set itself apart from the rest. “It has to get louder – precisely because it is so small – in order to reach those we have lost.” Provocation is also part of it. You cannot achieve goals with adapted behavior. The AfD uses the cliché of resistance. The group’s role is to address unpleasant issues without reservation.
Sänze said he had a business-like relationship with parliamentary group leader Bernd Gögel. Gögel and Sänze are considered opponents. Gögel is considered to be more moderate within the AfD. He was the top candidate of his party in the state election campaign. Sänze, on the other hand, is assigned to the ethnic-national camp. Gögel prevailed with a clear majority against the previous parliamentary deputy Sänze in the election of the parliamentary group leader.
AfD now has fewer seats
The AfD suffered heavy losses in the state elections in March. Compared to the 2016 election, the proportion of votes dropped by 5.4 points to 9.7 percent. This means that she still has 17 seats in the state parliament – 6 fewer than before. After fierce wing fights and several resignations, there were only 15 MPs left with an AfD mandate. At the beginning of the legislative period, Gögel promised to professionalize the work of the parliamentary group and promised a different way of dealing with parliament. The MPs have so far been much more cautious than in previous years.
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