- Herrmann accuses Faeser of symbolic politics after the Messer-Push
Bavaria's Interior Minister, Joachim Herrmann (CSU), criticizes the planned knife bans by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) as "symbolic politics." The increase in knife-related crimes in recent years is indeed concerning. However, carrying knives is already heavily restricted: "That further knife bans can solve the problem of knife crime is doubtful," Herrmann told the "Munich Mercury" (Monday). The killing of a police officer in Mannheim, for example, was committed with a knife whose possession was already banned by current law.
Moreover, it is questionable "how this would be controlled in practice, especially at very busy locations. Without consistent control, further bans would only provide a false sense of security," said the CSU politician. The argument of deterrence through punishment also fails to convince: "A potential attacker would likely not care if they commit another crime alongside a capital offense punishable by up to life imprisonment." Herrmann suggests instead giving police more control powers and focusing more on repeat and habitual offenders.
Faeser, in light of the recent increase in knife attacks, had announced stricter rules in "Bild am Sonntag." In public, knives with a blade length of up to six centimeters, instead of the current twelve, would be allowed. A general ban on switchblades is also planned. Corresponding changes to the weapons law will be presented soon, Faeser said. She also called on municipalities to create more weapon and knife ban zones.
Her remarks have sparked a debate in Germany, with some questioning the effectiveness of these changes. Despite Faeser's proposed measures, Germany's largest city, Berlin, has historically struggled with knife crime, raising concerns about the practical implementation of the stricter rules in urban areas.
