Berlin (dts) - The deputy chairman of the Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag, Johann Wadephul (CDU), has called on Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) and Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) to do more against Russian espionage. “Russia is becoming more and more aggressive in espionage in Germany,” he told the “Editorial Network Germany” (Friday edition) after the recent arrest of two spies in Bavaria.
“This new incident must be a wake-up call for our security authorities, especially for the military counterintelligence service.” Because the Bundeswehr facilities are a main target, said the CDU politician. “I expect Defense Minister Pistorius to make counterintelligence a top priority and do everything in his power to prevent damage to the Bundeswehr and our allies.”
Russian counterintelligence must also be given higher priority by Interior Minister Faeser, said Wadephul. “I don’t hear enough from her about this.”
The deputy chairman of the Bundestag's parliamentary control committee, Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU), told the RND that the powers of the services needed to be checked to see whether they were still appropriate in view of the threats of espionage and sabotage. “You also have to check the visa policy,” said Kiesewetter. “Because many Russian agents are with us on tourist visas.”
