AfD Faces Widespread Nepotism Allegations Amid Calls for Legal Reforms

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is currently embroiled in a significant nepotism scandal, with reports revealing systematic employment of family members among party officials across various federal states. Media investigations highlight cross-employment practices within the party, particularly in the Saxony-Anhalt regional chapter, involving multiple Bundestag members and their relatives. For instance, Bundestag member Claudia Weiss employs three siblings of fellow party member Tobias Rausch, while Rausch’s wife and daughter also hold related positions. These arrangements raise moral questions and political criticism, although they remain within legal boundaries under the current Abgeordnetengesetz, which prohibits only direct employment of relatives by the same legislator but allows cross-employment among different party members.

Estimates suggest that as many as 72 AfD Bundestag members—nearly half of the party’s federal representation—may be involved in such practices. Rival political parties like the SPD and the Left Party have strongly condemned these actions, likening them to "clan criminality" and pushing for legislative reforms to tighten rules on employment of relatives to prevent nepotism.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also commented, noting his general opposition to additional regulations but acknowledging that the scale and nature of the misconduct might justify legal changes to restore public trust.

Amid this broader nepotism controversy, individual cases have drawn particular attention. Jan Wenzel Schmidt, an AfD politician from Saxony-Anhalt, is now under a party exclusion process after allegations surfaced regarding dubious dealings involving synthetic diamonds and fictitious employment contracts. Schmidt denies any legal wrongdoing and maintains his innocence.

The unfolding scandal reflects deep-seated challenges within the AfD regarding ethical governance and oversight, with political opponents and public observers demanding greater transparency and accountability. Legal experts emphasize the need to revisit existing regulations governing Bundestag members’ hiring practices to close loopholes enabling such nepotism.