Marc Henrichmann, a CDU security policy expert and head of the Parliamentary Control Committee, is demanding a more resolute approach to hybrid threats. He told Politico that Germany is “lagging behind” and needs to “get ahead of the curve.”
Henrichmann described the hybrid threat facing Germany as “large and diverse.” He noted that as Russia becomes more entrenched in Ukraine, more attacks are being launched against the EU, NATO, and Germany-a trend he witnessed not just in Leipzig. When asked if Germany learned anything from the drone flyovers off Copenhagen, he replied: “We were intoxicated, drunk on the dividends of peace, and thought things could never get worse.” However, he added that things are now “definitely getting worse.”
Henrichmann rejected the criticism that the planned intelligence service reforms bestow “Stasi methods” upon the agencies. He stated, “You have confidence; we have perhaps the world’s most well-controlled intelligence services.” He assured that the services are closely monitored, pointing out that “no one wants things to be shady or laws exploited.” Nonetheless, he stressed the necessity of being able to “stand up to the enemies of our democracy.”
Regarding investigative approaches, Henrichmann mentioned focusing on the role of so-called disposable agents and the use of digital wallets to finance organized crime, terrorism, and low-level agents.
