What forces endanger the constitutional order in Germany?

Russia's “Fight against Ukraine also represents a turning point for internal security in Germany”, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser when he presented the 2022 report on the protection of the Constitution in Berlin. Next to her was the president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution ( BfV, Thomas Haldenwang. Threats stemming from Russian spying activities have increased again, he points out.

In response, Germany expelled 40 Russian diplomats shortly after the start of the war who were accredited as suspected spies at their country's embassy in Berlin. However, the BfV chief expects even more Kremlin commitments in this area in Germany in the future. “Even if such measures have any effect in the short term, Russia will adapt its methods and continue in a more subtle and aggressive manner in the future. ”

Vladimir Putin is capable of everything

Thomas Haldenwang also worries about cyberattacks and secret service officers who could travel to Germany illegally with false identity. And compared to other countries, especially with China, he considers Vladimir Putin's actions more dangerous.

Generally speaking, Russian services are more powerful and are being served by all means. Sometimes with tools known only by movies. “Russian services do not hesitate even to kill people. ”

Russian propaganda mounts

The Office for Protection of the Constitution is also concerned with the rise in Kremlin propaganda in Germany. These include pro-Russian groups supporting the illegal fight of aggression in Ukraine. Its goal and Russian President Vladimir Putin's purpose: to benefit people from the former Soviet Union who now live in Germany for their own purposes.

“Putin sees this group of people as its own. People he wants to have under the influence of” explains Thomas Haldenwang, president of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. However, it testifies that most Russian-speaking diaspora in Germany is not under Russian propaganda.

Images of the extreme left enemy: NATO, US

A nonconsistent view appears when one sees the extreme spectrum of the left wing. According to the intelligence report, war is being severely condemned. “Some left-stage parts do not only hold Russia responsible, but rather describe them NATO, the US and in general the West or imperialism as the cause of war”, Thomas Haldenwang says about this environment.

Even in the area of right-wing extremism, the Office for Protection of the Constitution records efforts to capitalise on Russia's war and aggression. But these provocations failed to mobilise nationwide for their actions. Right-wing extremism, however, remains the biggest threat to constitutional order and security, to democratic state bases, stresses Thomas Haldenwang and German Interior Minister Nancy Fyser.

Focused China, Iran, North Korea, Turkey

Their configuration is that: The threat of spying, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns have expanded. Mostly from Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. But other countries are also in focus: China, Iran, North Korea and Turkey. / DW