Responses to Stabbing Incidents - Arms and Immigration: "Following Solingen, it's vital to discuss all matters openly"
The recent alleged terror attack in Solingen with three fatalities has sparked discussions about strengthening firearm regulations and immigration policies, occurring just a week before the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia.
The Union's stance: CDU leader Friedrich Merz utilized the incident and initial investigation findings to pen a letter to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). He urged the federal government to reverse its immigration policy, stating in the leaked AFP email, "The problem isn't the knives, but the individuals carrying them around." Merz continued, "In the majority of instances, these individuals are refugees, and in the majority of instances, Islamic motivations are driving the actions."
CSU leader Markus Söder perceives deficiencies in the authorities' power to react to violence. "We don't have the right instruments to respond to violence," Söder stated on ARD. "If it's regarding cars, searches are conducted without reason, but not in pedestrian zones."
Quick radicalization of Islamic extremists
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil advocates for a set of measures against Islamic terrorism. "We see perpetrators radicalizing themselves within a few months through the internet," Klingbeil told the Funke newspapers.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) is declaring a battle against Islamism "with utmost severity." "We are actively discussing which tools we require to sharpen our fight against terror and violence, and which powers our security authorities need in these times to protect our population as effectively as possible," Faeser declared before the Solingen attack.
The Greens' perspective: "There should be zero tolerance for murderers, terrorists, and Islamists," Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck stated. If asylum seekers were involved, they would have "lost their protection claim" in Germany, Habeck added, also calling for stricter gun regulations. "There should be more weapon-free zones and harsher gun laws," Habeck continued. "No one needs to carry stabbing or cutting weapons in public spaces in Germany. We are not living in the Middle Ages."
"All topics must be addressed following Solingen"
What the FDP says, who previously opposed tightening gun laws: Now, FDP Justice Minister Marco Buschmann has indicated agreement: "All topics should be on the table following Solingen: The gun law is not a taboo," Buschmann stated on X.
AfD leader Alice Weidel writes on X that "the roots of the problem" must be addressed. An "immediate policy reversal on migration" is necessary.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is also speaking out and advocating for improved protection against attacks. On ZDF, he called for more personnel for the security authorities, and an expansion of the Federal Criminal Police Office's powers in the event of a terrorist threat is also viable. He also calls for social cohesion. "Now, it is crucial that we in Germany do not allow ourselves to be divided and split apart."
Thuringia and Saxony vote on Sunday
Background: One day after the attack with three fatalities and eight injuries, the jihadist militia Islamic State claimed responsibility for the act. Shortly afterward, a 26-year-old Syrian turned himself in to the authorities. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating, and a warrant was issued on Sunday.
The debates regarding lessons drawn from the attack were held against the backdrop of the upcoming state elections in Thuringia and Saxony scheduled for next week. According to an Insa poll for "Bild am Sonntag," the AfD could emerge as the strongest force in both federal states. In Saxony, it is projected to reach 32%, while in Thuringia, it was predicted to reach 30%.
Given the context, here are two sentences that contain the words 'The Islamic' and follow the text:
The SPD leader Lars Klingbeil advocates for measures against Islamic terrorism, stating that he has seen perpetrators radicalize themselves within a few months through the internet with Islamic motivations.
Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser is declaring a battle against Islamism "with utmost severity," emphasizing the need to discuss and sharpen tools to fight terror and violence effectively.
