A recent secret vote in the Baden-Württemberg Landtag was marred by controversy when a ballot was discovered defaced with a swastika, leading to widespread outrage among lawmakers.

All parliamentary factions expressed shock at the incident, with CDU leader Manuel Hagel condemning it as an attack on democratic values, while SPD representatives called for the resignation of the individual responsible.

The Green Party's faction leader, Andreas Schwarz, also voiced his horror, asserting that anyone who resorts to such symbols does not belong in parliament.

The defaced ballot was marked in the 'yes' box next to AfD candidate Bernhard Eisenhut, who was running for election to the Oberrheinrat, a council that includes representatives from Germany, France, and Switzerland.

AfD representatives, including Miguel Klauß, denied any connection to the defaced ballot, rejecting implications that the party was involved.

In light of the incident, Sascha Binder, the parliamentary manager for the SPD faction, called for the resignation of the responsible party member, stating that such actions disqualify them from serving in parliament.

Eisenhut has filed a criminal complaint against unknown individuals for the use of unconstitutional symbols, asserting that the act was intended to intimidate elected representatives.

The ballot was found in voting urns located near where the AfD and SPD sit, complicating efforts to identify the perpetrator.

The state parliament administration has opted not to release the ballot publicly, citing the sensitive nature of the incident and has handed it over to authorities for investigation.

This incident underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the AfD's presence in the Landtag, as they claim systemic exclusion despite being elected by the public.

Hagel characterized the swastika as a symbol of hatred and violence, emphasizing the need to uphold the values of the Landtag.

The Oberrheinrat is a committee that includes representatives from regions such as Alsace, North and South Baden, South Palatinate, and Northwestern Switzerland.