Berlin Sees Russian Footprint in AfD’s Hunt for Military Data

Berlin fears AfD’s data requests mirror Russian espionage tactics.

The Gaze reports referring to Der Spiegel. Representatives of the far right are “purposefully and systematically” requesting classified information about the activities of the Bundeswehr and special services.

The chairman of the Bundestag's defense committee has publicly stated that representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany party are systematically requesting classified information about the country's security forces. This is very similar to espionage on behalf of another state, in particular Russia, Der Spiegel quotes the official as saying.

AfD systematically and in great detail conducts research on the military capabilities of the Bundeswehr and gaps in it. This is a deliberate and systematic attempt to obtain secret military information from the Ministry of Defense and the Bundeswehr that could be of great value to foreign states, not least Russia," Thomas Rövekamp told the publication.

According to sources within the parties, the AfD faction in the Bundestag is interested in the topic of drones and protection against them, as well as critical infrastructure. And how effectively the authorities can protect it. For example, in parliamentary question No. 21/2409, Alternative for Germany wants to find out what gaps exist in the cybersecurity system under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. On this topic alone, MPs from the far-right party asked 27 questions.

According to information obtained by the media outlet, high-ranking military officials and the leadership of the Bundeswehr are also concerned. “There is a whole system behind this,” they say.