Germany May Withhold Intelligence from States Led by Far-Right AfD
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the federal government may withhold classified information from state ministers if their administrations are formed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has close ties to Moscow. Polls suggest the AfD could win an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt's state election in September, potentially forming its first state government. Under Germany's federal system, state governments control police and intelligence activities. The AfD's national convention on Saturday overwhelmingly re-elected co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, who ran unopposed, as tens of thousands of protesters clashed with police outside.
Key facts
- German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the federal government may withhold classified information from state ministers if they are from the AfD.
- The AfD is regularly criticized for close ties to Moscow.
- Polls indicate the AfD could win an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt's state election in September.
- A win would mark the first time the AfD forms a state government.
- State governments in Germany have broad powers over police and intelligence services.
- The AfD's national convention re-elected Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla as co-leaders.
- Tens of thousands of protesters attempted to disrupt the convention, clashing with police.
- Weidel and Chrupalla have led the party for four years and ran unopposed.
Entities
Institutions
- Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Locations
- Germany
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Moscow