Rhineland-Palatinate Landtag debates special leave regulations

The AfD opposition in the Rhineland-Palatinate Landtag has challenged the CDU-led government regarding the regulation of special leave for high-ranking officials. Following a debate on a motion submitted by the AfD, opposition members criticized Minister President Gordon Schnieder and the CDU for allegedly abandoning campaign promises regarding the practice.

The core of the dispute concerns special leave granted to state secretaries and top officials, which allows them to engage in political work while continuing to accrue pension entitlements. The AfD has proposed amending state regulations to prohibit special leave for party-related activities and to cap leave for high-salaried executive positions at a maximum of two years. This follows previous practices under the former SPD-led government, where such leave could extend up to twelve years.

While the SPD faction argues against rigid time limits, favoring case-by-case decisions, the AfD has cited a legal opinion by Udo Di Fabio suggesting that state laws should be clarified. The CDU has stated they will be measured against their commitment not to approve new special leaves, following criticisms from the Court of Auditors and the Taxpayers Association, which have previously characterized the practice as a waste of tax money.