German agencies fear data leaks to Russia after far-right and far-left election wins
After far-right and far-left parties won recent state elections in Germany, officials are debating whether security agencies can keep classified information from reaching Russia or criminal networks. The concern centers on these agencies potentially falling under ministers from extreme parties.
Victories by far-right and far-left parties in several German state elections have fueled debate among officials over whether security agencies can control access to classified information that could end up with Russia or criminal groups. Reuters reported the development citing sources within the German government, according to the outlet "Yevropeiska Pravda".
Politicians from rival parties and former security service employees have voiced concern that if domestic intelligence agencies came under the authority of ministers from far-right or far-left parties, confidential information could leak to Moscow or, in Berlin's case, to groups under investigation for suspected ties to organized crime within the city's Kurdish, Lebanese and Palestinian communities.
Different risks in different states
Alexander Hoffmann, leader of the Christian Social Union faction in parliament, said the concern in Berlin would involve information tied to organized crime, while in Saxony-Anhalt it would involve matters related to Russia.
The worries stem from Germany's federal structure, in which each state has its own domestic intelligence service under local government control. These services exchange information with each other and cooperate with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
The Alternative for Germany party has rejected accusations that it is effectively an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying it only seeks to avoid war and opposes German military support for Ukraine.
Election results
On September 20, the Left party took first place in the Berlin state parliament election. On the same day, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Alternative for Germany received the most support, and far-right forces also won in Saxony-Anhalt's election.
