- Ebling supports Fazer's plans for knives
Rhineland-Palatinate's interior minister, Michael Ebling, supports Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser's (both SPD) plans to tighten regulations on carrying knives in public. "A tightening of the existing rules is sensible. I explicitly support this initiative," Ebling told the German Press Agency in Mainz. However, he does not see a need for weapons or knife ban zones in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Ebling agrees with the ban on carrying fixed-blade knives in public from as little as six centimeters in length. Currently, this only applies to fixed-blade knives with a blade length of twelve centimeters. "But even attacks with knives under twelve centimeters can cause fatal injuries," Ebling explained his position. There is also no need to carry such knives without a legitimate reason in public.
Contrary to the federal trend, knife-related crimes in Rhineland-Palatinate have decreased, according to the interior ministry. There was a 25.5% decrease from 2020 to 2023. There was a slight increase from 436 to 447 crimes from 2022 to 2023. However, the minister emphasized that the objective situation does not reflect the "nationally perceived sense of security regarding knife attacks."
Ebling assured that the development will be monitored. "If necessary, we will intervene," he said. Establishing weapon ban zones could be an option. However, "such bans can only reduce spontaneous acts, premeditated attackers will not be deterred by such bans," he added.
Moreover, weapon/knife ban zones would require intensive personnel monitoring and enforcement. "Otherwise, the goal will not be achieved," Ebling emphasized. Prevention measures and education are also important, he stressed. The police are particularly trying to sensitize young people on social media.
The German Press Agency reported Ebling's stance on supporting Faeser's plans to tighten knife carrying regulations. Ebling also expressed his viewpoint on the need for a ban on carrying small fixed-blade knives, citing potential harm caused by even short blades.
