The Telegraph: Merz preparing plan against “traitor states”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is developing a secret plan targeting “traitor states” that could obstruct NATO’s plans to defend against a possible Russian invasion, The Telegraph reports.

German authorities are concerned that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could hinder the movement of allied troops through eastern federal states where it is expected to win the largest share of votes in September elections.

The newspaper notes that if the AfD secures a majority in Saxony-Anhalt or Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it could form state governments that would oversee internal security, police operations, and other areas of administration.

Furthermore, the party could, if it chose to do so, slow down the movement of troops and military equipment through bureaucratic procedures, obstruct the deployment of resources on the ground, and deny the military priority access on local roads.

Merz’s plan reportedly involves developing mechanisms that would allow state governments to be stripped of decision-making powers in the event of a crisis.

The article notes that Germany, which is divided into 16 federal states with regional administrations, is described as “NATO’s roundabout” because several key logistical routes leading toward Russia’s borders run through the country.