A comprehensive analysis of parliamentary records reveals a marked increase in scrutiny-related inquiries initiated by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party since the beginning of 2020. The investigative report, compiled by “Der Spiegel” based on data from the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament’s central cataloguing system, indicates the AfD has submitted over 7,000 inquiries with security-related themes – surpassing all other political parties.
The sheer volume of inquiries, exceeding 100,000 documents in total, highlights a strategic shift in the AfD’s parliamentary approach. The report identifies a recurring focus on areas including military operations, armaments, disaster preparedness, medical provisions, public safety and energy supply. Specific instances, such as detailed requests concerning military transport routes to Ukraine, have drawn particular attention. Regions displaying the highest levels of AfD inquiry activity include Thuringia, Bavaria and Saxony.
While parliamentary inquiries are typically a vital tool for opposition parties to hold governments accountable, the AfD’s extensive and often granular questioning has triggered considerable controversy. Critics argue the party’s relentless pursuit of information raises serious concerns about potential motives. Thuringia’s Interior Minister Georg Maier, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), recently accused the AfD of actively probing critical infrastructure with the apparent intention of benefiting Russian interests – a charge the party vehemently denies.
The situation underscores a growing tension within German politics. While the AfD defends its actions as legitimate oversight, observers are questioning whether the party’s prioritization of specific, sensitive information constitutes a responsible use of parliamentary resources or a calculated attempt to collect intelligence that could be exploited for geopolitical advantage. The debate is likely to intensify as the inquiry figures continue to be analyzed and interpreted in the context of ongoing security concerns.