Hesse Premier Rhein Calls for AfD Committee Chairs in Bundestag

In Germany in October 2026, Hesse's Ministerpräsident Rhein called for a rethink in how the Bundestag handles the AfD, saying the party should be able to hold committee chair positions. Coalition parliamentary groups contradicted Rhein on the committee posts, and he drew criticism from within his own ranks. The debate renewed discussion about the so-called Brandmauer, or firewall, toward the AfD. Merz said an unstable federal government would have "immeasurable consequences," and Reiche warned of a Left-led government in Berlin.