The President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is urgently appealing to politicians to grant new powers to the domestic intelligence service as it faces growing security risks. According to Selen, speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (Wednesday edition), “Security and sovereignty result from deterrence and defensibility”. He emphasized that the defense service has the “clear and unmistakable mission of effectively counteracting attacks”.
Selen stated that future operations must become more active, necessitating “new and expanded capabilities”. This calls for a fundamental shift in the intelligence service’s role, moving it from an entity that merely collects information to one that functions as a true intelligence agency.
“Our task is not to merely explain or observe, but to manage or prevent threats” he clarified. This is particularly crucial when dealing with planned extremist attacks or the supply of weapons. The ultimate goal is to “identify dangers, contain threats, and prevent new ones before they even emerge” using the gathered intelligence.
The Federal Office, under Selen’s leadership, sees itself facing profound transformation due to these escalating dangers to democracy. Although the service has consistently encountered challenges during its 75 years of existence, Selen asserts that a “deep-rooted transformation” is now required.
Selen, who previously worked for various agencies including the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the Federal Police, and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, assumed the presidency of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution last October. He dismissed the idea that his daily routine has changed with this promotion, maintaining that being available around the clock is nothing special. He noted that his mobile phone has been kept next to his bed for decades, not just since taking office. “Threat situations are part of everyday life in security agencies” he concluded.
