Alice Weiden is self-confident and has a very good idea of economic contexts. If physically rar narrow AfD member joins lectern of Bundestag, she also wants to underline this competence with a strong appearance. For this, Weiden, when she raises voice for her core message, ambidextrous on desk, as if she wanted to be wider – like a stern mor placing her fists on her hips when she starts to timpani. Between few controlled gestures with which willowl underpins her words, her hands always go over desk, her fingertips check in five-second cycle wher manuscript sheets are still stacked clean.
Who is new is also nervous. and Weiden and ir faction of AfD are new here. To this day, Parliament's Bureau has given floor to house by saying that he or she is "holding her first speech". 100 days ago, 92 deputies took a seat on blue armchairs in outside segment of Hemicycle. As elected members, you enjoy rights and have duties like everyone else here.
The AfD was also a battle announcement: against established parties, federal government and against European Union. That is why ir deputies beargwöhnt from political groups to left in hall, y are keenly watched by press gallery. Because re you know: The AfD is not an ordinary party. Their programme of principles is a question of free practice of religion, a fundamental right. "We will hunt Frau Merkel" – threateningly pronounced set of Alexander Gaulands from evening of night also sounds here in chamber. So how would newcomers make ir threat come true?
Presence and rebellionThe AfD wants to be different from "those who have been here for a long time", as not only Bundestag group leader likes to say in microphone. The abusive word "Altparteien" is used in AfD but increasingly seldom, after all, Alexander Gaula is party and Bundestag group leader and he belonged to CDU for many years. The AfD members are very careful to ensure that ir seats are well-filled in chamber – presence should justify ir choice before citizens.
When y applaud, y usually do so alone, monolithic applause is almost exclusively for ir own speakers. And vice versa: When French President of Parliament spoke about his vision of Europe as a guest speaker, plenary was applauding – only AfD remained seated and stirred no hand. Presence, visible unity, rebellion – se are symbols with which AfD works here.
© Michael Heck Tilman Steffen Editor in Department of Politics, Economy and society, time online to authors pageWith ir efforts to attend, newcomers, however, deceive ir followers over fact that Bundestag is a Labour parliament. It prepares political decisions in working groups, groups and committees. In a small circle, presence really counts. The balance sheet of AfD after 100 days is initially that of a typical opposition faction: she kept talking, wrote applications and asked small questions to government.
None of m agreed with ir applications, but Government's replies are well-suited as proof of employment with electorate. Their agenda is determined by campaign mes: migration, asylum, family reunification, Islam, refugee violence, Euro rescue. The Bundestag group press office sends 30 mail messages per week, and re are also announcements from 92 MEPs.
Date Of Update: 01 February 2018, 12:03
