Key facts
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius opposes sharing classified information with potential AfD ministers.
- The AfD's perceived close ties to Moscow and Vladimir Putin are cited as reasons for opposition.
- The German government is considering withholding classified information from states with significant far-right gains.
- This measure aims to prevent misuse of sensitive data by extremist elements in regional administrations.
- The concern involves potential access to classified information by parties viewed as sympathetic to foreign adversaries.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has declared his opposition to sharing classified information with potential far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ministers who might be appointed to state administrations. Pistorius specifically cited the AfD party's perceived close ties to Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin as the primary justification for this stance. The German government is reportedly considering a broader policy of withholding classified information from states where far-right parties secure significant electoral victories. This potential policy shift is designed to prevent the misuse of sensitive data by individuals with extremist leanings who could gain access through regional government positions. The underlying concern is the security implications of sensitive national information falling into the hands of parties viewed as potentially sympathetic to foreign adversaries.