- "Attacks of Terrorism Impacting Everyone" – so, what's next?
With a stern expression, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) approaches the sea of flowers and candles at the Fronhof in Solingen on the third day following the tragic stabbing incident. His lips are turned down as he lays a white rose in honor of the attack's victims. As a symbol of solidarity, Scholz has ventured to the Bergish city, which is still in shock even on Monday.
Scholz stands between NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) and Solingen's Mayor Tim Kurzbach (SPD). All political figures remain silent, placing roses, and stand for a moment with folded hands. Afterwards, they pass by the attack site and head to a designated area to speak with firefighters and emergency responders who were present on Friday night.
They engage in dialogue for almost an hour behind closed doors. Wüst later mentions that young paramedics at the scene were overwhelmed by three fatalities and eight injuries, and are still moved to tears when the harrowing memories resurface.
Citizens demand political unity
"Why?" is written in bold red letters on a piece of cardboard among the flowers. However, the main concern on Monday is already: "What to do?" The crowd of around 100 people gathering behind barriers at a distance and observing Chancellor Scholz's appearance is seeking answers - and security. Many of them have a migration background, such as Emran Gadi, who has lived in Solingen since his infancy more than 30 years ago. "I expect politicians to unite and find solutions," he says. His family also fled from Serbia during the war. But those who refuse to integrate and adapt have no place here, he adds.
"Stricter immigration policies are necessary," says 57-year-old Solingen resident Cari Quispe de Mergard, who relocated to the city from Peru 30 years ago. "We demand more security." The suspected perpetrator - a rejected asylum seeker from Syria - attacked people in the crowd in front of the stage during the city festival. It has since been revealed that he should have been deported to Bulgaria last year, but this was unsuccessful. The atmosphere is tense. Some onlookers get into heated discussions about whether to vote for the AfD in the future.
Scholz promises harsh measures - but offers no specifics
Chancellor Scholz cannot yet provide concrete responses to citizens' anxious queries during his visit to the scene. He stands in front of the still-standing stage, where people fled in panic from the attacker. A flickering red candle illuminates a video screen. Scholz speaks softly, so that only those nearby can hear. But his message is clear and emotional. He is enraged and infuriated by this act. "This was terrorism. Terrorism targeted at us all, posing a threat to our lives, our unity, our way of living."
The state will enforce harsh and decisive action against criminals with malicious intentions, the Chancellor vows. He announces the prompt implementation of the already-planned tightening of gun laws and increased deportations - not for the first time. Almost a year ago, he promised in a Spiegel interview to deport "on a large scale." Later, he declared that deportations to Syria and Afghanistan could be resumed. Neither has transpired yet.
Wüst: "Promises alone will not suffice"
Warnings alone will not suffice, NRW Minister President Wüst (CDU) pointed out in Solingen following Scholz. The day prior, CDU leader Friedrich Merz had proposed a list of demands, including the general possibility of deporting rejected asylum seekers back to Syria and Afghanistan, as well as an end to accepting people from these countries. Merz also advocated for permanent checks and consistent denials at Germany's borders, the reinstatement of the so-called Dublin rules, which determine which EU state is responsible for an asylum application based on where the applicant first entered European soil, and the modification of the right of residence to detain "every deportation-required criminal in indefinite detention."
The "Germany Pact" on migration failed in November
Merz will discuss these demands with Scholz on Tuesday, exploring whether the government and the largest opposition party can find common ground on migration. A previous attempt in the fall ended in failure.
At the time, the Chancellor and opposition leader held talks ahead of a federal-state migration summit. However, Merz, the leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, later expressed dissatisfaction with the resulting package of measures to reduce refugee numbers and declined further cooperation. Scholz had refused to establish a joint working group with the Union to manage immigration, Merz said in early November. "That means the 'Germany Pact' on migration is, in my view, finished."
Attack during the East's election campaign
An agreement between the parties of the democratic center, whose influence is increasingly being undermined by extremist factions, seems more necessary than ever now. On Sunday, elections will be held in Thuringia and Saxony. In recent polls, AfD and BSW together reach 47 to 50 percent (Thuringia) and 41 to 47 percent (Saxony). Notably, AfD is using the stabbing incident for its election campaign purposes.
The upcoming Sunday is uncertain whether the divided traffic light coalition and the Union will show unity and effectiveness. Government spokesperson Hebestreit mentioned that any agreements between the Chancellor and Merz must be "reasonable and purposeful." He emphasized the importance of proposals that do not infringe upon the Basic Law, the UN Human Rights Charter, or similar policies. Questions were raised over the legality of measures such as halting Syrian and Afghan immigrants.
Mayor's Perspective: "It's Not Only About Solingen"
High expectations are placed on politics. Solingen's mayor Kurzbach made this clear following his meeting with Scholz on Monday. He stated that the people now expect the state to act, be active, and provide solutions for them. Those in government positions must now work together - at the federal level, in the states, and in the municipalities. Kurzbach shares that they are still figuring out how to cope with the shocking events in Solingen. He urged, "Let's find peace in Solingen. It's not just about Solingen; it's about our nation."
The investigation into the crime reveals that the suspected perpetrator should have been deported last year, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Despite Scholz's vow for harsh measures against criminals, the promised large-scale deportations to Syria and Afghanistan have not yet materialized.
