Amid rising poll numbers for the AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt, multiple police unions have issued warnings regarding potential threats to the functioning of secure state authorities should the party gain governmental control.
Dirk Peglow, chairman of the Federal Association of German Criminal Investigators, highlighted the critical importance of maintaining the democratic rule of law. He specifically pointed to the Interior and Justice departments, noting that the primary concern is guaranteeing uninterrupted access to security-relevant information for civil servants.
Heiko Teggatz, the federal chairman of the German Police Union, raised concerns about political appointments and the risks posed by allowing frequent changes or exchanges of political officials, such as state secretaries, department heads, and leadership of senior agencies. Teggatz warned that such practices could create an opening for parties like the AfD or Die Linke to install their loyal party members in crucial positions. As a protective measure, he suggested that the appointment of political civil servants should be restricted exclusively to the level of state secretary.
Furthermore, Jochen Kopelke, federal chairman of the Police Union (GdP), expressed deep worry over a potential curtailment of civil servants’ legal right of remonstrance. This established right dictates that officials have the legal power to refuse an order if they deem it unlawful. Kopelke voiced particular alarm over the AfD’s criticism of this right, suggesting they might attempt to restrict it.
Kopelke also cautioned that it could be problematic if government members from the AfD were denied access to classified documents without necessary security clearance, stating that such limitations would significantly hinder the work of any state government.