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Berlin, 12 March – A political scandal is erupting in Germany: according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) and the dpa news agency, a Russian man, who later turned out to have links to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), worked in the office of Christian Hirte, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
According to media reports, the man moved to Germany after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He maintained contacts with both the Russian opposition and the FSB, which caused concern among German politicians and intelligence services.
Hirte confirmed the information
Christian Hirte, who represents the federal state of Thuringia in the Bundestag, confirmed in an interview with dpa that the Russian had indeed worked in his office for about a year. At the same time, the politician said that he was not aware of any possible ties between the employee and Russian special services.
“If I had even the slightest suspicion, I would never have hired him,” the MP said. According to him, cooperation with this person was immediately terminated after receiving the relevant information.
Political implications
This case has caused serious concern in German political circles, as the issue of possible infiltration of Russian agents into the country’s government structures has become particularly relevant against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Berlin and Moscow.
Experts suggest that the German authorities may step up checks on foreign nationals working in political structures to prevent potential cases of espionage.
It is not yet known whether an official investigation has been launched against the former employee of Hirte’s office and whether he has any real ties to the FSB. However, this case has already triggered new discussions about the risks of Russian political and information influence in Germany.
