German Secret Service - Maaßen

A few days ago, a committee of Germany’s parliament discussed recent public remarks made by Hans-Georg Maaßen, the head of the country’s internal secret service, the Bureau for the Defence of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz), and decided that he was able to provide justification for his view.

The committee met after Maaßen was criticised in the media for having downplayed the seriousness of a right-wing mob going wild in the streets of Chemnitz. This is not the first indication, that the head of Germany’s secret service may be harbouring right-wing sympathies. It had been reported some time ago, that Maaßen had briefed the heads of the extremist right-wing AfD party – on at least a couple of occasions –, as to how to avoid being tracked by his service.

Had Angela Merkel still been as powerful as she used to be, Maaßen would have been out. What he said contradicts her line and agenda. Moreover, the head of the secret service should be reporting to the government and not be making statements to the press. And definitely not without first clearing such statements with the prime minister. But Merkel has been weakened, not least by the constant berating and scolding she is subject to from the leaders of her party’s sister-party in Bavaria, the CSU. Was Maaßen’s deed done in collusion with his direct boss, the Minister of Interior and senior CSU member?

The three questions that should have been asked are:

1.   Has Maaßen divulged secret information to the AfD?

2.   Was it appropriate for Maaßen to come out publicly and belittle the right-wing mob actions in Chemnitz?

3.   Can Maaßen be relied upon to defend the country from the dangers of the rising right-wing?

The fact that such questions must be asked, suggest that Maaßen is not fit for office.