AfD's Stephan Brandner Faces Reprimand Over Disruptive Remark in Bundestag

In a recent Bundestag session, AfD spokesman Stephan Brandner was issued an Ordnungsruf (formal reprimand) by Green Party Vice President Omid Nouripour for shouting "Dann heul doch!" ("Then just cry!") during a speech by Green co-leader Katharina Dröge. Dröge had criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz for lacking environmental protection proposals and expressed sadness over ecological damage. Nouripour saw Brandner’s interruption as clear disrespect toward Dröge and rebutted the AfD's laughter in the chamber by emphasizing the need for respectful discourse. The reprimand sparked debate about double standards in how parliamentary decorum is enforced, especially regarding the AfD, with extremism expert Prof. Eckhard Jesse arguing that similar remarks from any side should be treated equally and doubting that such comments alone warrant penalties. Brandner defended his statement, claiming it targeted Chancellor Merz’s emotional state rather than Dröge. Meanwhile, Dröge accused the AfD of deliberately provoking interventions to portray themselves as victims. Nouripour’s office reaffirmed the Bundestag’s commitment to maintaining respectful conduct. The incident highlights ongoing tensions around parliamentary behavior and disciplinary measures in Germany’s federal parliament.