Germany's new parliament, which convenes for the first time, sees the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) claiming senior positions after securing 20.8% of the vote in February's elections. With 152 seats, AfD is the second-largest party, typically entitled to important roles in parliamentary committees. However, other parties have historically organized to keep the AfD away from power to uphold a 'firewall' against far-right influence, leading to tensions as AfD demands its rightful representation in government affairs.
"We will claim all the rights and all the positions we are entitled to as the second-largest group in the parliament," Bernd Baumann, the head of the AfD's parliamentary group, said.
Bernd Baumann emphasized that ignoring the will of over 10 million voters who support the AfD would undermine democratic principles, as the party seeks senior posts.
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