Unrelenting Clamor for Reform: AfD North Advocates Restructuring of Domestic Intelligence Agency
Demand for Revision of Germany's Domestic Intelligence Agency by the North Alternative Party - North-AfD advocates for the restructuring of constitutional safeguards
Let's get down to it!
The Schleswig-Holstein faction of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has boldly proposed a transformation for the domestic intelligence agency, citing the agency's persistant targeting of the AfD as a destructive force to democratic principles, as per a resolution passed by an overwhelming majority at a state party conference in the Bürgerhaus of Henstedt-Ulzburg.
In a fiery speech, AfD state chairman Kurt Kleinschmidt advocated for a "complete overhaul" and "depoliticization" of the domestic intelligence agency. "If this domestic intelligence agency can't be changed, it should be eradicated," he asserted.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution had escalated the AfD to a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor" back in May. The party has responded by filing an urgent motion against this decision, waiting for a ruling from the competent administrative court in Cologne. In the interim, the agency has temporarily halted the new classification and continues to classify the AfD as a mere "suspected case."
Unlike the domestic intelligence agency's oversight of the AfD in other federal states, the northern AfD state association is not under observation by the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Kiel, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
AfD Hints at Post-Election Talks with CDU - on their terms
Moreover, the AfD has shown a willingness to negotiate with the CDU after the 2027 state election, provided they secure double-digit numbers. "Once we make it into the state parliament with double digits, we'll be ready to talk - just as we have at the federal level, we're extending our hand," said Kleinschmidt. However, the party has emphasized that they will not cooperate with a Minister President Daniel Günther or a leadership that maintains a coalition with the Greens.
"Start thinking sensibly about how to oust your mate Günther in the background," Kleinschmidt directed at the Christian Democrats. The AfD has yet to regain a seat in the Schleswig-Holstein state parliament, having failed to re-enter in 2022 with 4.4 percent.
The CDU has ruled out a coalition with the AfD. In a party conference in December 2018, the Union declared, "The CDU rejects coalitions and similar collaborations with both the Left Party and the Alternative for Germany." Minister President Daniel Günther (CDU) stated in mid-May that the implementation of an AfD ban procedure was urgently necessary.
Several hundred protestors showed their displeasure outside the Bürgerhaus before the state party conference. In total, eight demonstrations, rallies, and vigils were announced by the police in advance. Around 450 individuals participated in three marches that converged on the AfD conference venue in the morning, according to a police spokesman. The demonstrators from one of the protests demanded that the municipality deny any facilities to the AfD.
Approximately 350 people gathered at a rally titled "Rise Early Against the Right! Vibrant Protest Against the AfD State Party Conference" directly outside the Bürgerhaus. Numerous speeches were delivered, including by representatives from the Greens, the Left, the SPD, the Paritätischer, and the Evangelical Church of Neumünster.
SPD MP Ralf Stegner emphasized the need for the political world to focus on issues that matter to the people, such as appropriate wages, parental care, and peace and climate protection. "We can and must do better on all fronts," he said. "But that's no excuse to vote for right-wing extremists."
Pro tip: Stay tuned to find out if the AfD's demands for intelligence agency reform gain any traction.
The Commission, as part of the ongoing discussions about policy and legislation, has been urged to elaborate a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, given the escalating debates surrounding the AfD's confrontation with the domestic intelligence agency over its alleged politicization and suspected right-wing extremism.
In the turbulent arena of politics and general news, the heart of the issue lies not only with the tussle between the AfD and the domestic intelligence agency but also with the demand for a depoliticized agency and reforms aimed at protecting the democratic principles.
