In a shocking revelation, senior lawmakers are sounding the alarm over serious security lapses within Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, amid escalating threats from both foreign adversaries and domestic extremists. Concerns have surged regarding the access granted to service personnel without thorough background checks, raising fears of potential espionage infiltrating the heart of German democracy.

As thousands of visitors and staff flow through the Bundestag daily, lawmakers warn that the risk of foreign agents operating within its walls is alarmingly real. Recent incidents have underscored these fears, including a disturbing case where a lawmaker restricted access to his office for cleaning staff due to security concerns. Reports indicate that cleaning personnel have been sharing access cards, bypassing essential identification checks, and raising questions about who is truly safeguarding sensitive information.

While proven espionage cases remain rare, the stakes are high. Lawmakers, particularly from the Social Democrats, are calling for immediate action to tighten security protocols. The primary threats are identified as coming from Russia, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party is also under scrutiny due to its connections with extremist groups and foreign influences. As AFD lawmakers double their presence in parliament, the call for stringent background checks has never been more urgent.

The new government is poised to enhance the powers of the Bundestag police, allowing them to combat physical threats and gather intelligence. However, this move has ignited fears among AFD members, who worry that increased surveillance could undermine their political activities and target opposition voices.

As the debate intensifies over how to protect democracy from both internal and external threats, the question remains: Can the Bundestag effectively shield itself from those with extremist ideologies? The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as Germany grapples with the precarious balance between security and democratic principles. The time for action is now.