Number of calls for order in the Saxony-Anhalt parliament exploded!

Number of calls for order in the Saxony-Anhalt parliament exploded!

In the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, the number of calls for order has increased sharply in the current legislative period. By the end of September 2023, a total of 29 calls to order had already been issued, which represents a significant increase compared to the 18 calls to order between 2016 and 2021. What is particularly striking is that of these 29 calls for order, 24 went to members of the AfD, while the Greens were affected three times and the CDU and the Left once each. In the previous legislative period there were 17 calls for order to the AfD and only one to the SPD. These increasing numbers shed light on the heated debates and political disputes in the state parliament, which are often accompanied by verbalizations and conflicts, notes the star firmly.

There is currently no regulation for fines in Saxony-Anhalt, which has further fueled the discussion about these regulatory measures. The SPD parliamentary group is now calling for the introduction of a fine, which is intended to act as a measure against the increasing brutality in parliament. Rüdiger Erben, the parliamentary manager of the SPD, notes that such money “should also hurt” in order to bring members to their senses. This discussion is taking place against the backdrop of lively debates, such as the last one in March, which often result in loud disruptions and subsequent calls for order. During these heated moments, State Parliament Vice President Anne-Marie Keding (CDU) issued several calls to order to MPs in order to preserve the order, dignity and reputation of Parliament. The MDR reports on these developments and the SPD's efforts to introduce a fine.

Responses to calls for order

The distribution of calls to order has led to controversial disputes. The AfD faction complains about unfair treatment and describes it as “arbitrary”. This clearly shows how sensitive the political mood in the state parliament is and how highly charged the emotions are. The President of the State Parliament has the option of excluding representatives from meetings if they call for order three times or commit serious violations. This illustrates the seriousness of these regulatory measures and the need to improve the parliamentary climate.

Examined in comparison Statista the regulatory measures in the German Bundestag from 1949 to today. Over the decades, a different picture of the regulatory measures emerges, which provides interesting insights into the development of parliamentary culture in Germany.