Thomas Haldenwang Steps Down as Chief of German Intelligence Agency

Haldenwang's departure to pursue a Bundestag seat prompts delay in AfD's reclassification as extremist.

Thomas Haldenwang has resigned as President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to run for a Bundestag seat with the CDU.
The decision to step down was accelerated by the upcoming early Bundestag election, now scheduled for February 23, 2025.
The reclassification of the AfD as a 'proven extremist endeavor' by the intelligence agency has been postponed due to proximity to the election date.
A cross-party group of Bundestag members has submitted a request to the Federal Constitutional Court to examine the legality of banning the AfD.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution will be temporarily led by its two vice presidents, Sinan Selen and Silke Willems, until a successor is appointed.