North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister, Herbert Reul, is expressing alarm concerning a potential governing coalition involving the AfD (Alternative for Germany) following the elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Speaking to “Stern” the CDU politician stated that the AfD appears to misunderstand what governing entails, claiming that the party prioritizes followers over qualified professionals. Reul’s reaction is prompted by weekend reports detailing such preparatory activities by the group. He asserted that not only would such a scenario be constitutionally impossible, but it would also pose a security threat. Given the current challenges posed by hybrid threats and Russian influence, he stressed the necessity of a functional state apparatus managed by experts, arguing that the AfD, conversely, seems to be attacking internal security.
Meanwhile, while some state interior ministers have called for preparing for various contingencies, there is also conflicting advice. Joachim Herrmann, the Bavarian Interior Minister (CSU), dismissed the notion of speculative discussions, saying, “I find a discussion about ‘what if’ completely out of place”. He added that all democratic parties must work over the next three months to ensure their political strength and engaged campaigning prevent the AfD from gaining a majority in Saxony-Anhalt. Herrmann believes that the majority of voters still have their decision pending, which dictates the need for strong democratic policies to maintain a clear majority.
Addressing the situation, Green Parliamentary Group Member Konstantin von Notz raised urgent concerns. The interior expert warned that extremists seizing power not only undermine core democratic principles but also jeopardize future cooperation in the area of internal security. As the deputy chair of the parliamentary control body, he noted “glaring dangers for future information exchange both among individual authorities and with our European and international partners”. He cautioned that if extremists were involved in a government in various states, significantly less information sharing could become possible in the future. He cited the European context, recalling how partners suspended cooperation with the right-wing FPÖ in Austria due to the party’s close ties to Russia and fears of compromising sensitive information.