BERLIN/ERFURT. The chairman of the Thuringian Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which promotes neutrality, Stephan Kramer, has declared himself a key election campaigner for his country.
In the ARD “Report from Berlin”, the 55-year-old said on the issue of possible AfD government responsibility that he would “do everything to defend myself against this extremist attack within the scope of my legal capabilities and civic duties” until the elections . day.
“Then I go” – the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Thuringia @Stjkramer when asked what he will do if the AfD appoints the Prime Minister of Thuringia in the autumn. #ReportofBerlijnExtra pic.twitter.com/jBfABlMxTD
— Report from Berlin (@ARD_BaB) May 12, 2024
The senior official, who is a member of the board of directors of the left-wing Amadeu Antonio Foundation, also explained why he spread his assessment of the party as right-wing extremist: “We made this public because one of our tasks is to make voters aware of this danger “So that those at the ballot box will hopefully help in their decision to ensure that extremists do not fall under the responsibility of the government.”
First non-lawyer to head the Office for the Protection of the Constitution
although Chandler is not a lawyer and this is actually a requirement for the office of head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution; the red-red-green state government appointed him to this post in 2015. Kramer was already known for his politically polarizing statements in his previous role as general secretary of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.
Thuringia is governed by a left-wing SPD-Green cabinet led by Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow, who was voted out of office for five years. There have never been promised new elections. The CDU tolerates the minority alliance. Regular state elections are scheduled for September 1. The AfD is clearly in the lead in the polls. (fh)