- AfD MEP Esser resigns from office
AfD state parliamentarian Klaus Esser has stepped down from his positions in the party and faction leadership. He has resigned from these posts with immediate effect, he told dpa in Düsseldorf. He wants to prevent damage to the party and faction, but will continue his work in the state parliament.
The issue at hand are allegations that go back several years. Esser claims that he is being politically and existentially destroyed, and that the successful state chapter is being destabilized. In a statement, he wrote: "The allegations are being prepared and played to the press by destructive individuals within our party." Esser refused to comment on the allegations due to ongoing investigations, but invoked the presumption of innocence.
The public prosecutor's office in Aachen confirmed that preliminary proceedings have been initiated against Esser. Two criminal complaints have been filed. Esser stated that he will support the work of the authorities to clarify the allegations.
Esser's resignation from his party and faction leadership roles in the Landtag was prompted by ongoing investigations related to allegations against him. Despite his resignation, he intends to continue his work as a Landtag member.
