NRW Landtag President proposes automatic fines for disruptions

André Kuper, President of the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Landtag, is proposing stricter sanctions to maintain parliamentary order following several disruptions involving AfD members. Kuper suggested adopting a model similar to the German Bundestag, where three warnings within a specific period would trigger an automatic fine of 2,000 euros.

Currently, the NRW Landtag utilizes a two-stage system where violations result in a 1,000-euro fine, increasing to 2,000 euros for repeat offenses. Kuper noted that he would advocate for the automatic system in NRW only if the Bundestag's regulation survives judicial review by high courts.

Addressing claims that these measures constitute a 'Lex AfD' (a law targeting a specific party), Kuper stated that 75 percent of current disciplinary measures in the NRW Landtag involve the AfD, while the remaining 25 percent are distributed among other members.