In a recent article, Rechtsanwalt Dominik Lück the question of the conditions under which local authorities may intervene in election campaign events organised by political parties. This was prompted by two rulings by the Bavarian Administrative Court on 13 February 2026, which lifted bans on Björn Höcke speaking at AfD events in Bavarian municipalities. The article shows that political parties are particularly protected in their freedom of activity under Article 21 of the German Basic Law and that municipalities must uphold the principle of state neutrality when allocating public facilities. Interference in election events is therefore only permitted under strict conditions. In particular, a concrete and reliably substantiated threat to public safety is required. Mere political disapproval or abstract fears are not sufficient. The article makes it clear how narrow the legal boundaries are for municipal speech bans during election campaigns.

Click here for the entire issue: Kommunal 05/2026