Internships face scrutiny: Landtag leader proposes stricter oversight - Inspection Expanded to Include Trainees as Well
**News Article: Tightened Security Measures Introduced for Interns in North Rhine-Westphalia's Landtag**
In a bid to safeguard the Landtag of North Rhine-Westphalia from potential security risks, new measures have been introduced for interns working within the parliamentary environment. The enhanced security rules, which take effect from 1st October, aim to protect the institution from enemies of the constitution.
The Landtag President, André Kuper, has sent a letter to all members of parliament outlining the new security rules. A comprehensive background check is required for all employees and interns before they start work, including those of members and factions. This rigorous screening process is to ensure that no individuals with extremist ties or security risks are admitted, particularly in light of recent concerns over right-wing extremism in German politics.
Interns will only be granted access to certain designated areas within the Landtag buildings. Their movement is restricted to prevent unauthorized entry into sensitive zones. Furthermore, interns do not get full access to internal IT systems. Their permissions are strictly limited to protect against data leaks or manipulation.
The decision for exemption permits, should a new employee or intern be found to have a record of a deliberate crime, is made by the President in consultation with the Vice-President and the Vice-Presidents of the Presidium. The Landtag administration will obtain comprehensive background checks from the Federal Central Register digitally.
These measures have been put in place in response to increased monitoring of extremist influences in politics, such as the classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a right-wing extremist organization by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in 2025. This has led to stricter screening procedures for anyone involved in the parliamentary environment to maintain security and integrity.
While exact formal documentation on these intern-specific rules was not found, the context of increased security vigilance in North Rhine-Westphalia's political institutions strongly implies that such protocols have recently been implemented to address related threats.
It is worth noting that the new security rules apply to interns who are active in the Landtag and have unrestricted access rights to Landtag buildings and IT systems. However, interns who do not have extensive access to Landtag buildings and systems will not need a comprehensive background check.
The new security rules were passed with the votes of CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP in the Landtag. A spokesperson for the Landtag confirmed the new security rules to the German Press Agency. The Landtag wants to start the query at the Federal Central Register at least ten days before the start of an internship.
[1] Source: German Press Agency (dpa)
- In light of the enhanced security measures in North Rhine-Westphalia's Landtag, EC countries may need to revise their policies regarding the free movement of workers, as some interns might now face stricter screenings due to concerns over security and extremism.
- The tightened security policies and legislation in the Landtag, stemming from the increased focus on internal security, could potentially influence general news coverage, highlighting the scrutiny faced by parliamentary institutions in responding to political threats.
