Germany to Expand Intelligence Agencies' Powers

The German government has decided to significantly expand the powers of its intelligence services. Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille stated in Berlin that the Cabinet had approved a draft law reforming the 'intelligence service law'.Sebastian Hille argued that the main goal of the draft is to provide a higher level of security for people in Germany and their freedom. [QUOTE_1]The Minister of State responsible for the coordination of intelligence services, Nina Warken, stated in Berlin that Germany cannot constantly rely on the support of friendly countries' intelligence services in the field of security, and that German intelligence agencies must not fall behind their European counterparts. [IMAGE_1]Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, 'We are making our intelligence services real intelligence services.' [QUOTE_2]The reform stipulates that an independent monitoring body must also pre-approve operational interventions. [IMAGE_2]