Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has issued a warning about an escalating security situation in Germany. He told “Welt am Sonntag” that the increased volume of reports and investigations has necessitated raising the previously abstract threat assessment to a high threat level, meaning Germany must operate under the constant risk of attacks. The minister further stated that clear attack plots against the country are already identifiable, and these plans aim not only at German infrastructure but also at individuals and institutions.
An extensive reform of intelligence service law is scheduled for the Federal Cabinet on August 13th. Under this reform, intelligence services would for the first time be explicitly empowered to intervene during certain danger situations, moving beyond merely collecting and evaluating information. Dobrindt announced that his goal is to evolve the intelligence services into genuine secret services, ensuring they can remain competitive and collaborative with friendly services abroad. In acute terror situations, this could even entail constitutional guards entering and searching apartments if police forces are not available in time.
The CSU politician also informed “Welt am Sonntag” that in defending against foreign espionage or planned attacks, it might become necessary to strategically alter certain information-for instance, if doing so could disrupt attack plans. However, an Independent Oversight Council would be responsible for controlling these new powers, requiring prior approval for such measures. Despite these expansions, Dobrindt emphasized that the division of duties with the police would remain intact, asserting that the arrest of people remains the responsibility of law enforcement.
