The head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Thomas Haldenwang, announced yesterday that he is stepping down from his position to run for the Bundestag in the upcoming election on February 23, 2025, as a candidate for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

A representative from the Federal Ministry of the Interior stated that Haldenwang had already informed the relevant parliamentary committee of his decision, as “the position must be fully separated from the candidacy.” Haldenwang’s announcement came ahead of his formal resignation from the BfV. In the interim, the two deputy heads, Sina Seelen and Silke Willems, will temporarily assume his responsibilities.

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser praised Haldenwang for carrying out his duties with “prudence” during a period marked by increased threats from Islamist terrorism, Russian aggression, and left- and right-wing extremism, calling his work “successful.” However, the minister did not disclose whether she plans to appoint a successor to Haldenwang. He was appointed to the role in 2018 by his predecessor, Horst Seehofer.