Key facts
- German security agencies are considering restricting access to confidential information.
- Concerns exist that far-right AfD and far-left Left Party could leak data to Russia or criminal groups if they gain control of state intelligence agencies.
- The AfD won a significant share of votes in Saxony-Anhalt, and the Left Party came first in Berlin.
- Politicians have raised fears about information related to organized crime and Russia being compromised.
- The AfD denies accusations of links to Russia and claims intelligence services are attempting to discredit them.
- The Left Party has distanced itself from organized crime and antisemitism allegations.
German security authorities are contemplating measures to restrict access to sensitive information amid concerns that recent electoral successes by far-right and far-left parties could lead to data leaks to Russia or criminal organizations. The debate has intensified following the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt and the Left Party's victory in Berlin.
Senior figures in the ruling coalition have voiced worries that if state-level intelligence agencies, which operate under local government control and share information with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), come under the influence of these parties, confidential data could be compromised. Alexander Hoffmann, head of the CSU parliamentary group, highlighted concerns about information related to organized crime in Berlin and issues concerning Russia in Saxony-Anhalt.