Hospice Worker Fired Over AfD Candidacy

Martina Müller, a hospice worker with 15 years of service, has been dismissed from her job after announcing her candidacy for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in upcoming local elections. Müller, who was the lead candidate for the AfD in the Friesland district council and the Wangerland municipal council, stated she was shocked by the termination, emphasizing her commitment to values like humanity and respect during her tenure.

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I am shocked that I was fired because I am running.

The employer, the Verein für Innere Mission in Bremen (Association for Inner Mission), confirmed the dismissal. The organization, which operates the mission:lebenshaus gGmbH hospices, explained that its operations are founded on principles of human dignity, charity, respect, participation, and solidarity, with a special responsibility for vulnerable individuals. The association stated that Müller's active candidacy for the AfD was reviewed against these fundamental values and the organization's mission.

According to the Verein für Innere Mission, the decision to terminate Müller's employment was made after careful consideration of constitutional law, as well as applicable church and labor regulations. The organization believes that actively campaigning for a party classified as potentially extremist creates a severe conflict with the core values and mandate of the church and diaconal work, potentially undermining the credibility of their mission.

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The inviolable dignity of every human being, neighborly love, respect, participation, solidarity, as well as the special responsibility for people in vulnerable life situations are central foundations of our actions.

This situation arises as the AfD's Lower Saxony branch is considered a significant entity for observation by the domestic intelligence service due to concerns about its alignment with constitutional principles. A recent court ruling upheld this classification, indicating that the overall posture of the party is viewed as posing a threat to the constitution. Müller is preparing to file a lawsuit challenging her dismissal.

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In our view, active candidacy for an organization classified as securely right-wing extremist is in severe conflict with the fundamental values and the mission of the church and diaconal work.