The coalition of the CDU and SPD is considering tougher guidelines to protect confidential information within the Bundestag, a move prompted by the recent contacts made by AfD members with Russia.
Steffen Bilger, the CDU’s first parliamentary group secretary, told the “Handelsblatt” that the Bundestag needs to examine how sensitive information in its committees and bodies could be better shielded. Similarly, Sebastian Fiedler, the SPD’s domestic policy spokesperson, believes that action is necessary. Fiedler stated that whenever constitutional goods-such as German security, the protection of intelligence agencies, or the security of international partners-are involved, the Bundestag must continuously assess if its existing secrecy protocols remain adequate.
The discussion was sparked by the attendance of AfD politicians at an economic forum in St. Petersburg last week. Bilger characterized the event as “highly problematic” from a security standpoint. The CDU politician noted that in an environment where Russian services might specifically seek to collect information or exert influence, there is a danger that sensitive knowledge generated within the parliamentary sphere could be spied upon or misused.
Fiedler added that anyone meeting demonstrably with actors from Putin’s closest power and economic circle raises not just political, but also security questions. While he emphasized that no one should be accused of a crime without evidence, he stressed that the Bundestag must not be complacent regarding such contacts. He warned that the independent mandate of a parliamentarian “is not a free pass to betray German security interests.”
