Verdict: Savings bank must set up current account for free Saxons

The Sparkasse Chemnitz must set up a current account for the right-wing extremist Free Saxons on standard terms. This was decided by the Chemnitz Administrative Court after years of dispute. The public-sector bank had refused the small party such an account. "The party program poses a massive threat to the basic rights of our employees and customers," explained a spokesperson.

However, the court had already issued a temporary injunction in 2021 ordering the savings bank to open an account for the Free Saxons. The judges have now confirmed this in their ruling. In the written justification, which is available to dpa, they point out that the party is entitled to equal treatment and that the savings bank also holds accounts for other parties. In addition, the party is dependent on participation in cashless payment transactions for its work.

Fees flow to projects for diversity and democracy

With regard to the right-wing extremist goals and actions of the Free Saxons, the judges argue that only the Federal Constitutional Court can determine the unconstitutionality of parties. This has not yet been the case with the Free Saxons. Therefore, the savings bank could not refuse to open an account with reference to the party's anti-constitutional goals.

The Sparkasse Chemnitz has announced that it will use the fees that the Free Saxons have to pay for their account to support projects for diversity and democracy. Last year, they went to a project for queer refugees and migrants in Chemnitz, it said.

On request, a spokesperson explained that Sparkasse Chemnitz accepts the ruling and will not take any further action against it. It respects the constitution and the reasoning of the judges, it said.