East German Stasi kept records on Scholz during 1970s, 80s
A German report says East Germany’s secret police kept extensive records on Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his time as a senior member of the West German Social Democratic Party’s youth wing in the 1970s and 80s
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.East Germany's secret police kept extensive records on Chancellor Olaf Scholz when he was a senior member of the West German Social Democratic Party’s youth wing in the 1970s and 80s, German tabloid Bild reported Thursday.
Files obtained by the newspaper showed the Stasi closely followed his visits to the communist country at a time when he was deputy leader of the Young Socialists, describing him as a “seasoned political professional who has a lot of influence in the organization.”
The Stasi gathered vast amounts of information on East Germany's citizens and influential people abroad, both through its own agents and with the help of informants. Many of the files were destroyed before German reunification in 1990, but some have survived and can be accessed by those concerned or for research purposes.
Asked about the files Thursday, Scholz said they “weren't nice, but that's just the way it is.”
The 63-year-old was elected chancellor last month, succeeding Angela Merkel who grew up in East Germany.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.