Overview

• The Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation in March into allegations that Habeck’s August 30, 2024, speech defamed Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht and its chair by claiming they were paid by Russia.
• Habeck’s defense asserts that his statements constituted a legally permissible critical opinion rather than false assertions.
• In February prosecutors formally requested the Bundestag to waive Habeck’s parliamentary immunity to pursue potential charges.
• On June 5 the Bundestag plenary voted against lifting Habeck’s immunity following a recommendation from its Immunity Committee.
• The investigation remains active but cannot advance to formal charges without an immunity waiver, and authorities stress that Habeck retains the presumption of innocence.