AfD candidate elected speaker of German regional parliament for first time

What the report says

The BBC reports that Tobias Rausch of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been elected speaker of the regional parliament in Saxony-Anhalt, marking the first time a far-right party has taken that post since World War Two. Rausch won the vote in Magdeburg after the AfD’s strong showing in last month’s state election, even though the party fell short of a majority. He was backed by nine lawmakers from outside his own party, including support that appeared to come in part from the hard-left BSW, and possibly from some conservative CDU members, though that has not been confirmed.

The role is largely symbolic, but it gives Rausch authority to chair debates, manage access to the parliament building and represent the legislature at official events. His election has prompted sharp criticism from opponents, who said the result crossed a political line and reflected a weakening of Germany’s postwar practice of keeping the far right out of power. Protesters gathered outside the parliament building with anti-AfD banners as the vote took place.

Rausch, who has served in parliament for 10 years, said the time for political “firewalls” should end. BBC also notes that the AfD is viewed by domestic intelligence in Saxony-Anhalt as right-wing extremist, a label party leaders reject. The vote comes as the party seeks broader influence in the state, including a possible bid by local leader Ulrich Siegmund to become premier in December.