NRW parties move to change constitution to block AfD's oldest member from presiding over Landtag

CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP in North Rhine-Westphalia propose amending the state constitution so that the Landtag's opening session is led by the longest-serving member rather than the oldest, a direct response to AfD's oldest deputy being in line for the role. The move is a procedural change aimed at denying the AfD a ceremonial but symbolically significant position. The amendment's passage is uncertain, as it requires a two-thirds majority, and the AfD has criticized it as undemocratic.