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German security agencies face dilemma after victories for far right and far left
Senior officials are considering limits on domestic intelligence sharing as they worry AfD and Left Party gains could expose sensitive information to Russia or criminal groups.
German officials debated restricting sensitive intelligence sharing following recent state election victories by the AfD and the Left Party, citing concerns over potential data leaks to Russia or criminal organizations.
Security services fear AfD-led administrations might share secrets with Moscow, while Left Party leaders face scrutiny over alleged links between members and Berlin-based criminal clans, fueling suspicion of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Alexander Hoffmann, head of the Christian Social Union's parliamentary group, warned: "This concerns information relating to organised crime – that would be an issue in Berlin. And it's about issues concerning Russia – that would be Saxony-Anhalt."
Left Party politician Ferat Kocak stated, "There is absolutely no justification for elected representatives having contacts with individuals associated with organised crime," as the party faces pressure to address antisemitism and alleged criminal ties before forming coalitions.
An AfD spokesperson dismissed accusations as "clutching at straws in an attempt to discredit us in the eyes of the electorate." North Rhine-Westphalia Premier Hendrik Wuest noted preparations are underway, though it remains unclear whether these parties will actually govern.