In the debate over whether the association should invite AfD politicians to the event, it is worth looking at the controversial participants themselves. What expectations do they associate with attending such networking meetings, and how do they change them? This can also be observed at meetings called by the federal or state government. Guests are often chosen based on their function, such as position in a party or faction. AfD politicians are not excluded either.
An AfD member of the Bundestag recently reported to FAZ that he still avoids such events. “Until about a year and a half ago I tried to go there and get along well with the people. But when you go there, you’re treated like a fool.” He just avoided it and didn’t want to “ruin his evening”. Others hold a different opinion, such as AfD deputy leader Stephan Brandner. “If I am invited and can arrange it, I will attend,” he told FAZ
Brandner is one of the most prominent but also most controversial figures in his party. In October, the Bundestag revoked his immunity to allow a criminal investigation into insults. The lawyer ceased to serve as chairman of the legal committee in 2019, with votes from all factions except the AfD. The reason is that he lacks human and political qualifications. In the Bundestag, the right-wing extremist Gera attracted attention with his sharp taunts; Bundestag President Julia Klöckner recently rebuked him for insulting remarks, although he repeatedly interrupted.
He insulted the public broadcaster, but was present at their reception
Brandner expresses no respect for public broadcasters in his work; He recently combined the hashtag “#staatsfunk” with a Pinocchio emoji, a symbol of lies. “State radio” is “the propaganda instrument of the rulers”; citizens do not need “trumpets coercively financed by the government.”
Otherwise, he will most likely be invited by a government agency or state representative. In November he attended a loyalty oath ceremony to mark the Bundeswehr’s 70th anniversary. In summer he can be found at several festivals organized by state representatives. This is a popular networking meeting in which, in addition to representatives of the federal government – ministers or even Chancellors – politicians from state governments, representatives of associations and journalists also take part.
At the Thuringian Festival which Brandner also attended, Prime Minister Mario Voigt (CDU) and Bundestag President Klöckner also came. Brandner described such celebrations as beneficial to his work. “You get to know new people and new topics. Often contacts are made and a few days later I receive an email related to something we discussed that evening. Or I get an idea, for example for a question to the federal government.”
Brandner can appear friendly and cheerful
The fact that he does not complain about being avoided may also have something to do with his nature – Brandner can appear friendly and jovial, which contributes to the fact that he is seen talking to various guests on such occasions. Additionally, he said he approached the issue tactically, for example by considering the impact of free alcoholic drinks being served on such evenings. “As the night goes on, there’s usually more conversation. Sometimes I don’t arrive until around 9 p.m., even though it starts at 7 p.m. Some guests are more relaxed then.” He was rarely invited by the association, Brandner added. He heard from association representatives, including the managing director, that there was an “agreement” that we would not be invited. “The people who tell us that sometimes find it difficult, even if they didn’t vote for us.”
In contrast, many guests attending receptions, parliamentary evenings or summer festivals also said that they found or would find it difficult to present AfD politicians. In 2019, there was a scandal at the annual reception of the German Bar Association when its president criticized Brandner, who was still chairman of the committee, and his party friends in a speech. Brandner wanted a chance to respond, but didn’t get one. That night no longer felt relaxing. Even though nothing like this happened, many guests felt uncomfortable with AfD politicians.
The rationale given to FAZ in recent months is that society cannot escape politics and its dangerous political goals; we do not know to what extent AfD politicians exploit such evenings or conversations there, for example through photos and videos that supposedly show agreement with other guests or even breaking down “firewalls” on social networks; that being seen talking to AfD politicians could be bad for your career, no matter what you’re talking about.
