German Bundestag bars AfD staffer from parliament access — again

A staff member of the AfD parliamentary group has once again been denied a building pass and access to internal IT systems of the German Bundestag. The case raises broader questions about who controls access to the heart of German democracy and why reform of parliamentary staff regulations has been so slow.

A staff member employed by the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) parliamentary group in the German Bundestag has been denied a building pass and access to internal IT systems for the second time, reigniting debate over security vetting procedures inside Germany's federal parliament.

Journalist Pauline von Pezold discussed the findings of her investigation into the case with Gordon Repinski, raising fundamental questions about oversight mechanisms within the Bundestag. The incident highlights persistent gaps in how Germany screens individuals who are granted free movement inside one of Europe's most prominent democratic institutions.

## Security Gaps in Parliament

The case draws attention to the broader issue of who ultimately decides which individuals are permitted unrestricted access to the Bundestag's premises and sensitive digital infrastructure. Critics argue that the current system relies too heavily on the discretion of individual parliamentary groups, rather than independent security bodies.

Also under scrutiny is the long-delayed reform of Germany's Abgeordnetengesetz — the legislation governing the rights and responsibilities of members of parliament and their staff. Observers say the reform, widely regarded as urgently necessary, has stalled despite repeated calls for action from transparency advocates and security experts.

## AfD Under Scrutiny

The AfD has faced mounting institutional scrutiny in Germany in recent years. Parts of the party have been classified as a proven right-wing extremist organisation by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Verfassungsschutz, a designation that has intensified concerns about the vetting of individuals working within the AfD's parliamentary structures. The repeated denial of access to this particular staffer suggests that security authorities have flagged concerns that the parliamentary administration has taken seriously — though the specific reasons have not been made public.