BIG: Germany's federal government is preparing measures to limit the far-right AfD's access to classified intelligence if the party takes power in Saxony-Anhalt.

BIG: Germany's federal government is preparing measures to limit the far-right AfD's access to classified intelligence if the party takes power in Saxony-Anhalt.

German officials fear that sensitive information, particularly related to Russia and the war in Ukraine, may be shared with Moscow because of some AfD members' connections and favorable views toward Russia. The AfD rejects the accusations, and calls for undemocratic programs.

Possible measures include:

Blocking access to intelligence on Russian activity and extreme right-wing networks.

Preventing AfD officials from seeing files on their party and radical investigations.

Changing the federal-state cooperation rules to prevent an AfD-led government from blocking joint security plans.

The plans could face legal challenges, as critics say they limit voter choice and the power of an elected state government. German officials say the restrictions are necessary to protect classified information and reassure allies worried about intelligence sharing.

Source: NYT