The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has hit a significant roadblock with the exclusion of a key candidate from a mayoral election. Joachim Paul, a member of the state parliament, found himself barred from running in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, a city bustling with around 170,000 residents, due to concerns regarding his commitment to Germany’s constitutional values. A recent decision by an administrative court confirmed this exclusion, leaving Paul with limited options for appeal.
On August 5, 2025, Ludwigshafen’s election committee voted overwhelmingly to disqualify Paul, citing uncertainties about his loyalty to the democratic order defined in Germany’s Basic Law. This committee, which lacked representation from the AfD and consisted mainly of members from mainstream parties, relied on a report from the state’s interior ministry. This document, prompted by current mayor Jutta Steinruck, outlined allegations tying Paul to extremist elements.
Paul’s urgent appeal was dismissed by the Neustadt an der Weinstraße administrative court, which emphasized that electoral stability was paramount. The judges, while ruling the appeal inadmissible, indicated that a thorough investigation into the claims would not be feasible before the upcoming election. Notably, Paul had previously been mentioned in a report classifying the AfD as a suspected extremist group.
Allegations pointing to Paul’s supposed extremist tendencies included a 2022 piece in which he extolled conservative themes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” Authorities contended that his framing of “remigration” for migrants and critiques of violence linked to certain demographics further compounded their concerns about his positions. Evidence of right-wing organizational activity centered around his office also played into the committee’s decision.
Paul, a former teacher and long-time AfD member, argued that the accusations arose from political bias aimed at undermining the AfD, especially given their strong polling in the region. He stated, “The SPD—after 35 years in power—fears losing its grip” and suggested that the ruling was a strategic effort to prevent an expected electoral upset.
In the wake of the committee’s decision, Paul remains determined to challenge it legally and has called on supporters to rally behind him. Meanwhile, legal experts are scrutinizing the fairness of the ruling. Under the SPD-Greens-FDP coalition, the AfD has faced increased scrutiny, including recent declarations halting the hiring of AfD members for civil service positions. With over 120,000 voters eligible for the upcoming election, the exclusion of Paul marks a noteworthy moment in the turbulent landscape of German politics.
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