The AfD group in Thuringia’s state parliament has initiated an inquiry targeting Stephan Kramer, the head of the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, citing allegations of misconduct, political bias, and breaches of protocol.
AfD state leader Stefan Möller criticized Kramer and two MDR journalists, claiming their actions reflect poorly on the intelligence agency and public broadcasting in Thuringia.
Key Allegations Against Kramer
- Politicized Actions: In 2018, Kramer reportedly classified the AfD as a “test case” without consulting appropriate departments. Internal documents suggest this decision bypassed standard processes and drew ridicule within federal intelligence circles.
- Threats and Bias: Kramer allegedly threatened an employee involved in the AfD report and rejected a supplemental analysis that might have weakened the classification of the party as “secured extreme right.”
- Leaking Confidential Information: Kramer is accused of sharing sensitive internal details with MDR journalists, breaching source protection under the press code. This resulted in the whistleblower’s departure from the agency.
Broader Criticism
Kramer, previously the Secretary General of the Central Council of Jews, has faced repeated accusations of politicizing his role. Critics also question his qualifications, as he lacks the legal credentials typically required for his position. Additionally, controversial past actions, including meetings with radical Islamist groups and inflammatory remarks about Thilo Sarrazin, have fueled scrutiny.
Institutional and Public Reactions
The Ministry of the Interior has reportedly launched disciplinary proceedings against Kramer. However, neither Kramer, the ministry, nor the involved journalists have commented on the ongoing allegations. The inquiry continues to spark debate over the politicization of constitutional protection in Thuringia and the broader implications for democratic oversight.
