Germany wants to restrict Saxony-Anhalt’s access to classified information on Russia after AfD election win

Germany is considering limiting Saxony-Anhalt's access to classified information following the AfD's electoral victory, according to German and foreign officials. This stems from fears that such data could fall into Russian hands. In 2024, the German military drafted a 1,000-page response plan for potential Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.

All 16 of Germany's federal states, including Saxony-Anhalt, have access to this document, known informally as "Oplan." Each state maintains its own intelligence service that shares information with the federal government. The AfD secured 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt's recent election and is in talks to form a government. Federal authorities are already considering ways to cut off the AfD-led Saxony-Anhalt from the most sensitive data, including information about Russia and its operations in Europe, and materials about the party itself.

The AfD has been labeled as "right-wing extremist" at the federal level and is currently under intelligence surveillance. Berlin is concerned that if the AfD gains access to intelligence materials, they could identify undercover agents and interfere with their work. Germany's allies, including Poland and Scandinavian countries, share these concerns and have made it clear to Berlin they do not want sensitive information about Russia to reach Moscow through Saxony-Anhalt's government.

The AfD's representative, Jork Herrmann, has called the proposed restrictions "utterly undemocratic" and the party may challenge them in court if implemented.