In Berlin, the possibility of restricting the future government of the state of Saxony-Anhalt's access to highly sensitive military and intelligence data is being discussed. The initiative is linked to the fact that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won a decisive victory in the recent state elections, and security agencies fear that with a change of power, some classified information could end up in the hands of politicians whom the regional constitutional protection agency classifies as right-wing extremists and monitors their activities.
Restricting access to military secrets
According to reports, the German Ministry of Defence is considering not handing over to the new leadership of Saxony-Anhalt one of the most sensitive documents that defines the country's actions in the event of a military crisis. This refers to the secret plan for responding to a possible war. In Berlin, there are fears that a change in political direction at the regional level could alter the rules for handling this information and put its security at risk.
The 'need to know' principle and the Nadis system
The federal government emphasises that access to sensitive data is determined on a 'need to know' basis — the recipient receives only the information necessary to carry out specific tasks. In addition to the military plan, a broader issue is being discussed: the possible reduction of the exchange of intelligence data and the restriction of the state's access to the intelligence services' shared information system, Nadis.
Risk of data being passed to Russia
According to German officials, the premise for such restrictions is the risk of a leak of highly sensitive information to Russia. If the AfD gains control over the regional ministry of the interior, the party could potentially gain access to intelligence service data, including information on sources and operational activities. This is precisely why the issue of access to secrets is being considered in conjunction with the country's overall security policy.
Contradictory data
There is an inconsistency in the public discourse. One source refers to 'Germany's secret war response plan,' i.e. a national document of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the headline of another publication, the same document is called a 'secret NATO plan.' Thus, two versions are circulating: Germany's national military plan or an alliance document. There is no official clarification in the provided materials as to which specific document is meant, so both formulations are given without a choice.
Political context and implications for Ukraine
It is worth recalling that the AfD won a decisive victory in the Saxony-Anhalt elections, receiving 43.8% of the vote. However, the party does not yet have an absolute majority in the state parliament and is looking for partners to form a government. Previously, one of the party's leaders called for lifting all sanctions on the Kremlin and ending aid to Ukraine, while within the AfD, Orbán was praised for linking Hungary's energy system to supplies from Moscow. Ukraine's former consul in Munich, Rector of the Ukrainian Free University Dmytro Shevchenko, noted that the AfD's victory could lead to changes in Berlin's aid to Ukraine and Ukrainians, dividing it into military aid and aid for refugees.
