Marco Wanderwitz, a long-serving CDU member of the German Bundestag, has announced he will not seek re-election in February.

Citing increasing threats and hostility, Wanderwitz emphasized the need to protect his family and himself from physical and emotional harm.

The 49-year-old has been a vocal critic of right-wing extremism and a proponent of banning the AfD, collecting over 100 signatures for this cause.

Despite losing his constituency to an AfD candidate in 2021, he remained in parliament through the party list.

As he approaches his 50th birthday, Wanderwitz sees this as an opportunity to start anew, though he remains private about his future plans.