Thuringia Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) has warned against the potential consequences should the AfD gain representation in the government of Saxony-Anhalt. Speaking to ARD on Sunday, Maier stated that having an AfD interior minister would pose a security risk.
Maier expressed serious concerns that confidential information regarding the “right-wing extremist background of the AfD” or about “Russian espionage activity in the realm of right-wing extremism or even relating to Russia” could leak out. He emphasized that such a situation would create a threat to national security. Previously, he had also cautioned about the possibility of a “coup d’état” if the AfD were to enter the government. He referenced the AfD’s proposal to swap out hundreds of civil servants, clarifying that this action would violate the law and bear “features of a coup attempt.”
While a government change could allow for the relatively quick replacement of political appointments-perhaps around ten to fifteen individuals in Saxony-Anhalt-the AfD’s claim of replacing 150 to 200 staff members would violate German civil service law. These officials hold a constitutional oath and must prove their fidelity to the constitution. Maier voiced doubts about whether civil servants associated with right-wing Burschenschaften (fraternity groups) could pass a security vetting process.
He added that if the AfD formed the government in Saxony-Anhalt, mechanisms could be implemented to restrict the Verfassungsschutz (domestic intelligence agency) access to sensitive information, specifically in areas concerning right-wing extremism or Russian espionage. However, this limitation would only apply to those specific fields; a fundamental exclusion of the intelligence agency in Saxony-Anhalt would require an amendment to the law. Maier stressed that this remains a “scenario,” as the election has not yet taken place, and his hope is that it will not occur. Nevertheless, he insisted that the interior ministers must “think through” the possibility and be prepared to act.
