[REVISION HISTORY]

Dismissal of hospice worker for AfD candidacy

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-20 19:53 UTC → 2026-08-24 11:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Martina Müller, an administrative specialist and former staff council chairperson at the Friedel-Orth-Hospiz Jever, was summarily dismissed by her employer, mission:lebenshaus gGmbH, after 15 years of service. The termination was triggered by Müller’s decision to run as a candidate for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in upcoming local elections for the Friesland district council and the Wangerland municipal council. The Diakonie-affiliated ~~employer~~ employer, a subsidiary of the Verein für Innere Mission in Bremen, stated that the candidacy creates a “severe conflict with the fundamental values and mission of the church and Diakonie,” citing principles of human dignity, respect, and solidarity. The organization noted that the AfD is classified as a right-wing extremist group by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Diakonie Bremen emphasized that while it remains politically neutral, it is “wertegebunden” (bound by values), prioritizing human rights and neighborly love. Müller had previously received a warning in late July 2026 to withdraw her candidacies, which she refused to do. Following her dismissal, Müller has expressed dismay over the loss of her livelihood and has announced her intention to pursue legal action, including a lawsuit for protection against dismissal. The case has raised legal questions regarding whether political candidacy can serve as grounds for termination within religious institutions.

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