The German government’s recent approval of a controversial intelligence reform has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties, who fear a loss of oversight and increased executive power.

The German Cabinet has approved a significant reform of the country’s intelligence agencies, allowing them to disseminate misinformation as part of their operations. This decision aims to enhance the agencies’ capabilities in responding to rising threats of sabotage and espionage. However, the reform has drawn sharp backlash from opposition parties, particularly The Left and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), who argue it undermines democratic principles.

Ulrich Thoden, the defense policy spokesperson for The Left, expressed strong disapproval of the reform, labeling it as an act of ‘activism’ that primarily expands the powers of intelligence and executive bodies while diminishing necessary oversight. He emphasized the historical lessons learned from past abuses of power, particularly referencing the Gestapo, and stressed the importance of maintaining a clear separation between police and intelligence services.

The FDP has echoed these concerns, calling for an immediate halt to the reform plans. FDP Secretary General Martin Hagen warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Germany’s status as a liberal democracy with a functioning rule of law. He highlighted the need to avoid creating doubts about Germany’s democratic integrity, especially in the context of competition with authoritarian regimes.