Munich – The city will soon no longer have to provide its venues to individuals or organizations that spread antisemitic ideas or trivialize Nazi crimes. The Bavarian cabinet has approved the measure, and the state parliament is expected to pass this amendment to the Municipal Code later this year.
Administrative Court Overturned Munich City Council Resolution
The state capital of Munich had previously attempted to deny city-owned venues for certain events, such as concerts by Roger Waters. However, the Federal Administrative Court overturned a corresponding city council resolution, stating that there was no legal basis for it.
Following the ruling, Mayor Dieter Reiter approached the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior to explore options for amending the Municipal Code. Reiter is pleased that this is now happening: “With this new legal regulation, the state is showing courage and sending a real signal against antisemitism, which cannot be valued highly enough given social developments.”
Disrupting City Council Meetings Will Be Costly in Munich
In addition, municipalities will soon be able to impose a fine of €500 to €1,000 (for repeat offenses) on city council members who cause significant disruptions. In light of the coarsening of political debate by far-right extremists, as observed in the Bavarian state parliament and elsewhere, and with the upcoming city council elections in March 2026, Reiter suggested such a rule to Interior Minister Herrmann earlier this year. “Far-right extremists don’t just silently despise democratic values; they often actively disrupt the democratic process in these bodies. Therefore, it is important to have effective tools to ensure political debate,” said Reiter.
The press office announced that the city will use these new options. “I thank the state for sending a clear message with these decisions to protect our democracy and strengthen municipalities against anti-democratic efforts,” the mayor stated.
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