Swastika scandal in the state parliament: uproar over AfD ballot papers!

Swastika scandal in the state parliament: uproar over AfD ballot papers!

A worrying incident recently caused a stir in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament: During a secret vote on July 24, 2025, a ballot paper was daubed with a swastika. This provocative act took place in Stuttgart when the AfD wanted to elect a representative for the Upper Rhine Council, but failed again. The President of the State Parliament Muhterem Aras (Greens) reacted with concern to this disgusting incident, which significantly undermines the values ​​of the Parliament. As [tagesschau.de](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/badenwuerttemberg/swr-unknowner-schmiert-bei-abstimm-im-landtag- Hakenkreuz-auf-stimmschein-100.html) reports, the use of anti-constitutional symbols can be considered a criminal offense.

During the vote, MPs gathered around the ballot boxes placed at two exits from the plenary chamber. However, the state parliament administration did not provide any information about the exact urn into which the ballot paper with the swastika was placed. On the note, the sign next to the yes box was written for the AfD candidate Bernhard Eisenhut, who has since filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons. Eisenhut sharply criticized the act and emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Reactions to the incident

The incident was met with widespread outrage within the party's ranks. The CDU actually sees a “disgusting process that tramples on the values ​​of parliament,” while the SPD calls for the person responsible to resign. The Greens also expressed their disgust at this act and claimed that such a person has no place in parliament. The FDP also called for comprehensive investigations. Surprisingly, the AfD itself also spoke out against the incident and denied responsibility.

This incident makes it clear that the political climate in Baden-Württemberg remains tense, especially after the AfD candidates were repeatedly rejected for the board of trustees of the state center for political education. This institution has the task of ensuring non-partisanship in the education system and consists of over two dozen members.

A resignation in Baden-Baden

n-tv.de Kühne recently received a penalty notice for defacing two cars with Ukrainian license plates with a swastika and the inscription “Fuck UA.” These incidents took place in January and March 2023 and cast a further shadow over the AfD.

Kühne announced his resignation in a letter to Mayor Dietmar Späth, but there has not yet been any formal confirmation as a timely application to leave the local council must be submitted. At the next meeting of the city parliament on September 25th, there will be a discussion about who could take over if Kühne's resignation is accepted.

The events make it clear that emotions and political tensions in the region remain high. The values ​​of our society must always be defended, and politics should send a clear signal here.