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The recent dismissal of the Brandenburg's Constitutional Protection Chief, Jörg Müller, and the criticism towards Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) have stirred up a storm within her own faction. In an interview with German Press Agency, SPD faction leader Björn Lüttmann expressed hope for "much clarification work and transparency" in the following days, praying for a calmer political discussion afterward.
The Greens in Brandenburg have called for Lange's resignation and launch a digital campaign against her. The Greens, no longer represented in the state parliament, declared that Lange put a dent in the fight against the AfD. Even the CDU opposition in the state parliament sees Lange's justification for Müller's dismissal as dubious.
Tension within the SPD faction
The SPD faction disclosed their plans to discuss this issue during their regular meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. According to Lüttmann, public interest in this matter is high. Despite this, he maintains his confidence in Minister Lange, expressing belief in her legitimate reasons for removing Müller from his post.
Justification for dismissal based on information deficiency
The SPD minister axed Müller due to allegedly not being informed earlier about the already made classification of the AfD as a secure right-wing extremist. Lange, in a candid interview, admitted her frustration with the incident. She stated that she should have been promptly informed and that her trust in Müller had eroded, explaining her decision to part ways with him.
According to various media reports, Lange was well-aware of the plan to reclassify the AfD long before the actual move. Even constitutional protection heads from other eastern states were reportedly in the loop. Lange clarified that discussions with the leadership of the constitutional protection took place, but she was informed too late about the ultimately made upgrade.
Uncertainties about decision-making processes within the ministry
Rumors from the Ministry suggest that Lange assumed she held the final say in decisions regarding significant observation objects such as the AfD. A service instruction, indicating that the leadership of the constitutional protection holds that power, was unknown to her. Furthermore, Lange did not have access to the expert opinion critical in assessing the AfD.
Green chairman Rostock: Lange must step down
Clemens Rostock, chairman of the Greens, criticized Lange's actions for causing significant damage. He demanded her resignation or dismissal by Minister President Woidke. Rostock stated, "During the campaign, the SPD presented themselves as a determined force against the AfD, and now they are firing someone who committed himself wholeheartedly to the battle against right-wing extremism."
Lange consistently defends her stance on the professional assessment of the AfD by the constitutional protection but believes the dispute revolves around interpersonal issues. Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke supports his interior minister, who also serves as Woidke's deputy in the state SPD. Woidke remains confident that Lange's course against the AfD, as established in the state election campaign, will not be affected.
Government maintains unwavering stance against right-wing extremism
Government spokesman Florian Engels supports Woidke and Lange's stance on right-wing extremism and the AfD, stating it is clearly demonstrated in their recent public speeches. A successor for Müller is expected to be appointed in July.
Lange intends to present a successor to Müller in July, emphasizing the urgency of swiftly filling the position to maintain trust in the domestic intelligence agency's capabilities. Ensuring transparency and clarification in this matter remains critical for both Lange and the SPD.
Insights:
Key Issues:- Alleged Political Bias: Lange's decision to dismiss Müller and the timing of the AfD's reclassification have raised concerns about political bias. Critics suggest that Lange's actions reflect a desire to silence independent expertise rather than an objective assessment of the situation.- Autonomy of the Constitutional Protection Office: Lange's decision to revoke a directive ensuring the office's autonomy has been criticized by the opposition for undermining the independence of the constitutional protection agency. They argue that this move compromises the integrity and impartiality of the agency, potentially weakening the democracy.- Information Deficiency: Critics have highlighted Lange's delay in receiving vital information, such as the reclassification of the AfD, as a sign of poor decision-making. They believe Lange should have been informed immediately, and her delayed knowledge of the reclassification suggests a political motive behind the decision.
- The continued scrutiny of Interior Minister Katrin Lange (SPD) following the dismissal of Jörg Müller, Brandenburg's Constitutional Protection Chief, has led to widespread restlessness within her own faction.
- The Greens in Brandenburg have called for Lange's resignation, posturing that her actions have hindered the fight against extremism and the AfD.
- Lange admitted that her trust in Müller had eroded due to her frustration about not being promptly informed about the reclassification of the AfD as a secure right-wing extremist, a move that has sparked uncertainty about decision-making processes within the ministry.
- Amid growing tension and calls for transparency, SPD faction leader Björn Lüttmann expressed hope for clarification work and a calmer political discussion following the dismissal.
- The government's stance against right-wing extremism and the AfD remains strong, as shown by their recent public speeches, according to Government spokesman Florian Engels.
