District authority overturns ban on advertising for the Bundeswehr

The ban on advertising for the German Armed Forces in Zwickau is illegal according to the municipal supervisory authority. The city council's decision violates applicable law, the district office announced. The city council had exceeded its powers. The legal supervisory authority thus followed the position of Mayor Constance Arndt (Citizens for Zwickau). She had lodged an appeal against the decision for the second time.

Landratsamt: Decision violates the principle of equality

"The Bundeswehr is an institution anchored in the Basic Law," was the reason given. It is not only a public service employer, but also fulfills constitutionally defined tasks. Its spectrum ranges from foreign missions and training young people to providing assistance in the event of a disaster. "There is no constitutionally viable basis for discriminating against the Bundeswehr compared to other employers in terms of advertising space or events." In addition, the decision violates the principle of equality under Article 3 of the Basic Law, according to the district administration office.

The city council first passed a ban on advertising for the German Armed Forces at the end of January. This caused a stir nationwide. Mayor Arndt objected to this, meaning that the city council had to revisit the issue.

However, after a controversial debate in February, the majority of the committee once again voted in favor of the motion put forward by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). It was mainly supported by the AfD parliamentary group, but also by two councillors from the CDU and the non-attached representative of the far-right Free Saxons. Arndt once again objected to this, so the case came to the district administration office.

What happens next?

According to the information provided, the city must now repeal the relevant passage. This should happen at the city council meeting on April 17, it said.