In a striking display of partisanship, Green Party Vice-President Britta Haßelmann openly called for the continued exclusion of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from key Bundestag positions in the upcoming legislative term.
Haßelmann demanded that “democratic parties” collaborate to block AfD nominees, dismissively claiming, “The AfD has no right to such posts.” This undemocratic stance underscores the establishment’s fear of the AfD’s growing influence and its message, which resonates with an increasing number of Germans.
Haßelmann defended past parliamentary decisions to reject AfD candidates, alleging their “unsuitability” while conveniently ignoring the party’s significant support among the electorate. Rather than respecting the will of voters, she insisted the Bundestag must “uphold democratic values” — a statement that rings hollow when her party actively works to silence a legitimate opposition.
Though parliamentary rules allow any party to nominate candidates for key roles, Haßelmann gloated about the AfD’s past failures to secure majority votes for its nominees, promising that establishment resistance would persist. Her confidence reflects a broader pattern of coordinated efforts to marginalize the AfD, rather than engaging with its ideas or policies.
Haßelmann also took aim at the CDU’s reasonable proposal to explore repatriation of Syrian refugees, dismissing it as “insensitive and shameful.” Despite acknowledging the atrocities of the Assad regime, she ignored the reality that conditions in parts of Syria have stabilized, making repatriation not only viable but necessary to ease the strain on Germany’s overburdened social systems. Many Germans are growing tired of being told they must indefinitely accommodate refugees while the political elite refuses to prioritize their own citizens’ concerns.
On economic issues, Haßelmann lauded Green Chancellor candidate Robert Habeck’s plan for a €1,000 electricity bonus for electric car buyers, describing it as “targeted and effective.” Yet, this scheme primarily benefits wealthier citizens who can afford electric vehicles, offering little to working-class Germans struggling under rising energy costs and inflation. Meanwhile, Haßelmann criticized the CDU’s push to reverse the traffic light coalition’s policies, labeling them “backward.” In reality, these policies have done more to destabilize the economy and sow uncertainty than to promote progress.
Finally, Haßelmann defended controversial electoral reforms that many view as an attempt to entrench Green and coalition power at the expense of fair representation. Her dismissal of CDU criticism as “unfair” only highlights her party’s unwillingness to face genuine democratic scrutiny.
The Green Party’s condescending rhetoric and refusal to engage with alternative perspectives underscore the establishment’s disregard for the millions of Germans who feel abandoned by traditional politics. By targeting the AfD and suppressing debate, figures like Haßelmann reveal their true priorities: clinging to power at all costs, even if it means undermining the principles of democracy they claim to defend.
