The AfD party has not been invited to the Bundespresseball, an annual event organized by the Bundespressekonferenz for leading politicians and journalists in Berlin. This decision comes as the party has been excluded from the event for the first time since entering the Bundestag in 2017. The theme of this year’s ball is “Protecting Press Freedom for Democracy.” The chairman of the Bundespressekonferenz, Mathis Feldhoff, stated that the AfD’s behavior towards journalists and media, including exclusion and pressure, was the reason for the decision. The party does not align with the values of press freedom and democracy that the ball aims to promote.
The Bundespresseball is traditionally hosted by the Bundespressekonferenz, and invitations are extended to journalists, publishers, the federal government, major parties, and lobby groups. In previous years, the AfD leadership was invited in 2014 and 2015, with Frauke Petry attending the event in 2015. However, the party was not invited in 2016. Following their entry into the Bundestag in 2017, invitations were extended to the party leadership and members. While no AfD politicians attended in 2017, some members participated in subsequent years. The event did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to exclude the AfD from the Bundespresseball reflects a stance against extremism and the suppression of press freedom. The theme of “Protecting Press Freedom for Democracy” underscores the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society. Feldhoff emphasized that the AfD’s actions towards journalists and media run counter to these values, making them incompatible with the spirit of the event. The exclusion of the party highlights the organizers’ commitment to upholding press freedom and democratic principles.
The AfD’s exclusion from the Bundespresseball has sparked debate among politicians and media representatives. While some argue that it is necessary to distance the event from parties that do not support press freedom, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on political discourse and the inclusion of diverse perspectives. The decision to exclude the AfD reflects the organizers’ stance on upholding democratic values, but it also raises questions about the boundaries of political participation and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.
As the Bundespresseball approaches, the absence of AfD politicians and their representatives will be noted by attendees and observers. The event serves as a platform for dialogue and interaction between journalists, politicians, and other stakeholders, making the exclusion of a significant political party a notable development. The decision to exclude the AfD underscores the importance of upholding press freedom and democratic values in the public sphere, but it also highlights the challenges of navigating political polarization and diverse viewpoints in a democratic society.
