Federal Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated to “Bild am Sonntag” that he is advocating for withholding access to classified information from any potential ministers from the AfD (Alternative for Germany party).
Addressing possible consequences if an AfD state government were to impact Bundeswehr military bases nationwide, Pistorius noted that discussions are underway concerning who should be granted access to secret data. He emphasized that this assessment process is already in motion because national security is at stake, meaning that such matters cannot be handled “negligently.”
Pistorius confessed he feels extreme reservations about transmitting classified information to an AfD minister. According to him, listening to the public statements of various AfD representatives makes it clear that there are serious risks involved. He drew attention to concerns regarding their proximity to Putin and speculations about potential funding from Russia. The Minister stated pointedly: “To seriously believe we could allow this information to fall into the wrong hands so easily is naïve. It is self-evident that this simply cannot happen.”
Furthermore, a potential electoral outcome in Saxony-Anhalt resulting in an absolute majority for the AfD causes him “the greatest concern.” He stressed that the party has not hidden its agenda regarding democracy. Consequently, he called such an event “a very, very bad sign,” adding that Germany must prepare to handle the situation even more decisively and actively counter the threats posed by the party.
