Berlin: German authorities on Wednesday accused the far-right AfD party of using parliamentary inquiries to gather sensitive intelligence on critical infrastructure, allegedly to serve Russian interests. Georg Maier, interior minister of the eastern state of Thuringia, stated that AfD lawmakers have submitted numerous parliamentary questions in recent months seeking detailed information about the police, the military, and sensitive security infrastructure.

According to Anadolu Agency, Maier highlighted that "the AfD shows particular interest in police IT systems and equipment, especially in drone detection and defense." The party has also sought information about civil protection resources, healthcare facilities, and German military activities. Maier expressed concerns, suggesting that the AfD's inquiries seem to align with a list of interests that might benefit the Kremlin.

Marc Henrichmann, a member of the German parliament's intelligence committee, echoed Maier's concerns. He claimed that Russia is using its influence in parliament, particularly through the AfD, to obtain sensitive information. Henrichmann described Russia's interest in the party as a means to engage in hybrid warfare.

The far-right party has consistently criticized Germany's military support to Ukraine, leading to increased scrutiny over its alleged Russian ties. Despite finishing second in the February 2025 federal elections, recent surveys indicate that the AfD has become the strongest party, with a 26% approval rating, surpassing Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc by two points. Bernd Baumann, a senior AfD lawmaker, dismissed the espionage allegations, labeling them as "absurd suspicions."