Fencing Duel Among AfD Politicians: Mensur in Düsseldorf

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Düsseldorf. Two AfD politicians from North Rhine-Westphalia engaged in a fencing duel in Düsseldorf – a so-called Mensur – according to one of those involved. Focus Panorama reports, citing one of the two combatants.

At first glance, this sounds like a marginal note from the party's periphery. But if you look closer, it reveals the circles in which parts of the party move – and which rituals continue to be cultivated there.

What is known so far about the incident

According to the Focus report, what is established is this: two AfD politicians from NRW, a fencing duel in Düsseldorf, and the information comes from one of those involved. Nothing more – neither the timing, nor the motive, nor the names of the two politicians are given in the available sources.

That makes the report unusual: it rests solely on the account of one participant, not on independent reporting. No official confirmation from the AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia or from the federal party has been issued so far.

What a Mensur actually is

A Mensur is an academic fencing duel rooted in the tradition of German student fraternities – above all the Corps and Burschenschaften. Unlike sport fencing, no points are scored. Instead, the combatants face each other with protected weapons – typically a Korbschläger (basket-hilted saber) and an epee or foil – in a ritualized duel. An impartial party presides over the Mensur, both sides wear protective clothing, and a judge records the hits. What matters is less the victory than proving oneself in the duel itself.

The practice has a long history at some German universities. In the wider public, it is seen as an expression of an elitist, often male-bonding tradition – and is correspondingly controversial.

Why this is not without sensitivity

Duels among AfD politicians are not an isolated case: several of the party's officeholders are or were members of dueling fraternities. When local AfD politicians publicly engage in a Mensur, this does not fall within the realm of the private – it raises the question of which codes of honor and masculine rituals continue to be cultivated within parts of the party.

At the same time: a Mensur is not a criminal offense. As long as no serious injuries occur, it is an expression of a long-standing, albeit controversial, practice.

What remains open

Who the two politicians are, in what capacity they work for the AfD, and what specific occasion prompted the Mensur – none of this emerges from the available reports. Should the party or one of those involved confirm further details, this article will be updated.