The position of President at Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the domestic intelligence agency, has remained vacant for nine months, prompting growing concern among security observers. Currently, the agency is being led on an interim basis by its Vice Presidents, Silke Willems and Sinan Selen.
Hansjörg Geiger, a former head of the BfV, expressed surprise at the continued vacancy, stating, “Even though I believe the two are doing a very good job, I am surprised that the position of President has not yet been filled”. Thomas Haldenwang vacated the role last November with the intention of running for a parliamentary seat, a bid that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
An official familiar with the BfV’s operations voiced deeper concerns, describing the situation as “deeply disturbing”. This official highlighted a perceived lack of external visibility for the agency at a time of heightened security challenges, characterizing the organization as lacking clear leadership and a defined strategic direction. Concerns were raised regarding the limited authority of the Vice Presidents to adequately represent the agency’s interests in matters of personnel, funding and legislative affairs.
A former head of a state-level intelligence agency echoed these sentiments, questioning the prolonged vacancy, particularly given the current security climate. The situation is described as unprecedented in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. A loss of reputation for the agency is reportedly already occurring and is expected to worsen with each passing week.
Government officials indicate that negotiations regarding a replacement are ongoing. The Federal Ministry of the Interior stated that Interior Minister Dobrindt will announce a decision “in due course” adding that no further public comment regarding the process or timeline will be made.
Stephan Kramer, head of the intelligence agency in Thuringia, offered a degree of understanding for the deliberate approach being taken, stating, “The Minister is taking his time and hopefully will make a good personnel decision as a result. Quality before speed is important in such difficult times. We have no time for trial runs.
The selection process requires consideration of the interests of the coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD). While remaining cautious in their public statements, SPD security policy experts acknowledge the situation. Sebastian Fiedler, the SPD’s spokesperson on internal affairs, stated that the new government, still in its early months, will shortly make a personnel decision. He affirmed confidence in the current interim leadership. Sonja Eichwede, a member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee, added that the BfV remains “fully operational” due to the contributions of the Vice Presidents.