German authorities from different branches of government are exploring ways to limit the power of the right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, should the party win control of a state in next Sunday's elections. This would be the first time since World War II that a right-wing extremist party took control of a German state.
The authorities' efforts include attempts to restrict routine sharing of classified information with state intelligence services, should the AfD come to control them. They also involve less drastic measures related to public policy.
The planning is motivated in part by fear that party members could pass state secrets to Russia, a country with which the party maintains close relations. The measures are being detailed in interviews and statements by senior officials, both publicly and behind the scenes.
