Saxony's new rules target AfD-linked public employees

Saxony cracks down on civil servants linked to far-right AfD party

DRESDEN—Saxony's minority state government, a coalition of the CDU and SPD led by Minister-President Michael Kretschmer (CDU), has introduced guidelines placing civil servants and public employees who are members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) under heightened scrutiny. According to the document, even public expressions of sympathy for the party could trigger disciplinary action.

Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) first presented the guidelines to the cabinet a year ago, and they have been in effect for state ministries and authorities since January. A separate regulation for police officers is expected to follow.

The move comes after Saxony's AfD branch was classified as "confirmed far-right" by the domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The party is challenging this designation in court. While mere AfD membership alone is not sufficient grounds for disciplinary measures, the guidelines state that "systematic promotional activity or outright agitation" for the party could be.

A single social media post in support of the AfD may be enough

Potential red flags listed in the document include running as an AfD candidate or publicly endorsing the party on social media—actions that could ultimately lead to dismissal from public service. Even press photos showing participation in demonstrations may prompt investigations. Authorities are also instructed to follow up on "third-party reports," which include tip-offs from colleagues.

However, supervisors are prohibited from inquiring about or researching an employee's party affiliation without specific cause. For disciplinary consequences up to and including termination, officials must determine—based on an overall assessment—that the individual has "rejected" the core principles of Germany's liberal democratic order.