As of: March 25, 2024, 9:41 a.m
By: Sarah El Sheimy
Comments
Press
Split
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has warned of threats to Germany's internal security - in particular of influence from Russia.
Berlin – Russia could influence the upcoming elections in Germany.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) warned about this.
In addition to Russia, she also spoke to the
Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ)
about the partly right-wing extremist AfD and the Islamist "Da'esh" offshoot "Islamic State in the Khorasan Province" (ISKP) as risks to Germany's internal security.
The security situation has “completely changed,” Faeser told the
SZ
with a view to the war in Ukraine.
The Interior Minister spoke of a large number of cyber attacks.
A manipulated satellite, for example, caused the control of wind turbines to fail.
“We are actually experiencing a new dimension of threats from Russian aggression.” The Kremlin is trying to exert influence through lies, disinformation and espionage.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser answers questions at the federal press conference.
© Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/archive image
Early detection system against Russian interference in elections
Faeser emphasized the protection of the elections: hacker attacks must be prevented, she told the
SZ
.
This year the European elections are taking place in Germany.
In addition, state elections are scheduled in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg.
“We have to be careful that no nonsense is done with candidates’ profiles or websites.” The government is currently working on an “early detection unit against disinformation” that should enable a quick reaction.
To this end, they plan to use artificial intelligence more.
“We have to expose the lies before they become a big wave and flood the internet.”
According to Nancy Faeser, the government makes espionage more difficult internally and in the security agencies through strict security checks.
The Federal Minister of the Interior also demanded this from companies.
People “who have influence on critical infrastructures” would need to be more closely monitored.
“In view for a long time”: Islamism as a threat to internal security in Germany
When asked about the danger posed by the Islamist militia Da'esh (Islamic State) in Germany, Nancy Faeser referred to the ISKP from Afghanistan.
Da'esh claimed to be responsible for the terrorist attack in the "Crocus City Hall" near Moscow.
Over 130 people died there.
“The ISPK is currently the biggest Islamist threat in Germany,” said Faeser.
Security authorities have “been keeping an eye on the group for a long time.”
In general, the BKA, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the state security authorities focus on the Islamist scene.
My news
The wave of bankruptcies continues: cult beverage manufacturer is insolvent
On Princess Victoria's name day: Prince Oscar steals the show
Skoda's novelty with a combustion engine impresses fans - read “It's sustainable”.
Motorcyclist from Munich has to return on foot - and takes out anger on construction yard employees
Sad background: WDR presenter says goodbye after 16 years of reading
Deutsche Bahn announces drastic changes to regional trains
Faeser also spoke in the interview about the role of the partly right-wing extremist AfD: The party admires Putin and despises “modern Germany”.
Instead, she stands for “more poverty, less justice, less equality for women”.
The AfD is the frontrunner in surveys for the state elections in Thuringia, Saxony and Brandenburg.
Minister Faeser called for “discussions” with AfD sympathizers about their motives.
She herself sees the AfD as a “location risk” that scares off skilled workers.
In the same breath, she called for a constitutional state to be able to act, for example by restricting “irregular” migration.
Faeser: Russia wants to destabilize with migration
“The state is acting,” said Draht, referring to falling migration numbers, accelerated asylum procedures and easier deportations.
She described opposing claims as propaganda.
“My impression is that people also see these changes,” said Faeser.
She accused Russia of wanting to destabilize “the West” with migration and referred to “pressure” on Finland’s borders and organized flights “from the Middle East” to Belarus.
The
SZ
also asked Faeser about “foreign criminals” in the federal states’ crime statistics.
On the one hand, the minister highlighted experiences of violence, poverty and psychological consequences of the pandemic as reasons for increased numbers, but called for “zero tolerance” through “noticeable criminal consequences, faster deportations of foreign criminals” as well as “good social policy and integration right from the start.” .
(ses)