Overview
- The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has been without a permanent chief since Thomas Haldenwang stepped down in November 2024 to run as a CDU candidate in the February 2025 federal election.
- Interior Minister Nancy Faeser initially aimed to appoint a new BfV president before the election but has now indicated that the process will take longer due to ongoing consultations.
- Deputy heads Silke Willems and Sinan Selen will continue to oversee the intelligence agency's operations in the interim.
- Discussions regarding Haldenwang's replacement include ensuring broad parliamentary support, which complicates a pre-election appointment.
- Haldenwang's decision to run for office as a CDU candidate in Wuppertal I surprised many, although his retirement plans had been known for some time.