CDU Takes a Stand Against Reichinnek's Intended Appointment; Union Wants Different Candidate for Intelligence Oversight Committee
Union Intelligence seek request from Reichinnek for a position assignment
The leader of The Left parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Heidi Reichinnek, has proposed herself for a seat on the Parliamentary Control Panel for the intelligence services. However, her stance faces resistance from the Union faction, who question her suitability for the role.
In reaction to the Union's refusal, Reichinnek has hinted that future cooperation could be re-evaluated, if her candidacy is not supported in the upcoming election. "I expect the Union to cease their groundless accusations and accommodate the Left fraction in the Parliamentary Control Panel," Reichinnek told Redaktion network Deutschland (RND).
Behind the Scenes Tempestuous Tensions in the German ParliamentThe Union fraction boasts a significant influence in the German Bundestag, with its role crucial in decisions necessitating a two-thirds majority, such as selecting constitutional judges or amending the debt brake. This afternoon, the Bundestag will vote for the members of the influential Parliamentary Control Panel (PKGr), which oversees the federal intelligence services.
Although the CDU/CSU will not endorse Reichinnek, individual members are still free to vote for the Left politician. Union parliamentary representative Steffen Bilger has confirmed the faction's unfavorable view of Reichinnek: “The Left must consider the candidates they propose for such elections.”
In contrast, SPD Bundestag member and interior expert Lars Castellucci advocates for Reichinnek's election. "There's no reason not to elect her," said Castellucci to RND, adding that all factions should partake in the parliamentary control of the security authorities.
The Backroom Echoes of Discreetive ClashesHeidi Reichinnek faces criticism over her intended appointment to the PKGr which encompasses oversight of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). Members of the PKGr have access to confidential information and are obligated to maintain secrecy. They meet regularly, often in a soundproof room within the Bundestag.
The federal government must provide the PKGr with comprehensive information about the general activities and significant events of the intelligence services under the Control Council Act. Additionally, the PKGr can request reports on other activities from the government.
Source: ntv.de, mau/AFP
- The Left
- Intelligence Services
- Union Fraction
- The Union Fraction's stand against Heidi Reichinnek's proposed appointment for the Parliamentary Control Panel (PKGr) has raised questions about the community and employment policies within the German Bundestag, as Reichinnek's candidacy signifies a potential shift in the composition of the panel responsible for overseeing the country's intelligence services.
- Amidst the ongoing political tension surrounding Reichinnek's candidacy, the issue of vocational training for potential members of the PKGr, particularly in the areas of crime-and-justice and general-news, has emerged as a critical concern for the parliament, shaping the discourse in German politics and the general-news landscape.
