Internal discord within the Union of Values - Rumors suggest Maaßen's departure from the political group?

In a significant turn of events, Hans-Georg Maaßen, the former head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, has expressed uncertainty about his future membership in the Werteunion. The statement was made during a video conference with the state chairmen of Werteunion on Tuesday evening.

Maaßen, who joined the party at its inception in February 2024, has hinted at a possible withdrawal from the party. He has suggested that there are "dirty tricks" being carried out behind his back within the Werteunion and has accused unnamed individuals of a coup and power grab.

The context of the power struggle within Werteunion is not fully clear, but it appears to stem from within the party. Maaßen has dismissed the elected board of the North Rhine-Westphalia state association from their offices and unlawfully appointed four followers, according to Sylvia Pantel, the deputy party chairwoman of Werteunion.

Pantel has also accused Maaßen of autocratic and party-harming behavior. She alleges that Maaßen has disturbing hate posts on various social media channels and has sought proximity to the AfD in public for months. Legal action will be taken against Maaßen's actions in North Rhine-Westphalia, as stated by Pantel.

Maaßen, however, has expressed that he no longer considers a trusting cooperation in the current board possible. He has stated that he is not ready to take on the responsibility for the party as a figurehead or in a leadership role.

The Werteunion, which was founded to fill a gap between the Union and the AfD, has not achieved any significant electoral success. The party's results in the 2022 state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg were between 0.2 and 0.6 percent.

Jörg Meuthen, a former AfD chairman, also joined the Werteunion in September 2024. The future of the party and Maaßen's role within it remain uncertain, with Maaßen himself stating that he is unsure if he will still be a member in two or three weeks.

The Werteunion is currently facing a severe test, with the party divided and Maaßen's membership in question. The developments are likely to shape the future of the party and its role in German politics.

Internal discord within the Union of Values - Rumors suggest Maaßen's departure from the political group?