Früh.Warn.System: Brauchen wir diesen Verfassungsschutz? (2020)

The German protection of the constitution is repeatedly criticized. The secret service, which sees itself as an "early warning system" against the dangers to which our democracy is exposed, has slept all too often, so the critics. The federal and state offices for the protection of the constitution were accused of being "blind in the right eye". But the new president of the secret service, Thomas Haldenwang, recognized the growing threat posed by right-wing extremist violence and its supporters and ordered his office to change course. The film analyzes whether and how this "early warning system" works and examines the question: How prepared are the protectors of our constitution against the growing threat from right-wing extremist violence and the continuing threat from Islamists. And is this intricately structured secret service up to the current and future threats? Exclusive access to intelligence agencies The authors had exclusive access to secret services in the federal government and several federal states. Current case studies document the work of the agents. The journalist Heribert Prantl speaks out on fundamental questions, such as what means the constitutional state has and should have to ensure security from extremists and terror of whatever origin - without restricting the freedom rights guaranteed by the Basic Law.