- In North Rhine, there's consensus between the Black and Green parties regarding a substantial security plan.
Following the horrific attack in Solingen around three weeks ago, the government of North Rhine-Westphalia, led by the black-green coalition, has unveiled a comprehensive security plan. This package includes bolstered police powers and stricter deportation regulations. The state's Minister President, Hendrik Wüst (CDU), declared in the state parliament, "We're putting words into action. We'll boost the powers of our security authorities."
The package includes numerous measures, such as beefing up the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, closer surveillance of potential extremists, and enhanced data sharing between agencies, as well as measures targeting unlawful immigration.
Wüst spoke of a double-edged sword, as following the Solingen attack, a right-wing extremist party became the most powerful in a state parliament for the first time. The cabinet approved the security plan on Tuesday, which Wüst described as the most extensive security and migration plan in North Rhine-Westphalia's history.
Key aspects of the security plan
Investigators will be granted expanded online search powers for radical Islamist extremists, with artificial intelligence also being utilized. The powers of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in telecommunications surveillance will be strengthened, granting it access to encrypted messaging services. Here's a breakdown of the details:
AI, capable of deciphering even rare languages like Tajik, will serve as a digital investigator and digital patrol for police. Online extremist propaganda will be centrally monitored, and the process of blocking such content will be accelerated. Facial recognition software, for instance, to identify potential threats, will be utilized. In the future, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution will be permitted to store data on minor children aged 14. Moreover, measures to combat the Islamist radicalization of young individuals will be reinforced. NRW is additionally planning to push for several measures, such as data retention, through initiatives in the Bundesrat.
Measures against illegal immigration
A central database of deportable individuals will be established in NRW, while the exchange of data between authorities will be simplified. Individuals from safe countries of origin will remain in asylum centers until decisions on their applications are made. Three additional asylum proceedings chambers will be established at the administrative courts.
NRW is now planning the construction of a second deportation prison through Bundesrat initiatives. Changes to immigration law will be pursued, including improvements to the Dublin System and simplified deportation of criminals, terrorists, and their supporters.
Solingen attack
On August 23, a man wielding a knife attacked attendees at a city festival in Solingen, resulting in three fatalities and eight injuries. The suspected culprit, a 26-year-old Syrian, is in custody. His deportation was scheduled for last year but was unsuccessful. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
In recent days, Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) and Refugee Minister Josefine Paul (Greens) had already proposed initial measures. Reul had ordered increased police presence and identity checks at public gatherings. Paul had tightened the control and monitoring duties of local and federal immigration authorities in the deportation of rejected asylum seekers.
"It seems we're witnessing the commencement of a new wave of Islamic terrorism in Europe," said Green parliamentary group leader Verena Schäffer. The state government has responded with a package of measures.
Green Refugee Minister Josefine Paul emphasized the coalition's unity, stating, "We face reality and are ready to reassess positions when necessary." NRW has already deported 113 security-relevant individuals and wanted individuals.
Reactions from the Opposition
SPD opposition leader Jochen Ott criticized "government and administrative failure" in the failed deportation of the Solingen attacker. "The Solingen attack was not a failure of asylum law, but your state government's fault," said Ott. Announced measures, such as the introduction of data exchange, are an acknowledgment that the government is poorly equipped in security matters. Ott criticized the fact that the opposition was not involved in the package of measures early on.
FDP parliamentary group leader Henning Höne stated, "The Solingen attack could have been prevented with the existing legal framework." Solingen was made possible by administrative failure, which lies within the responsibility of the state government. "After two and a half years, the 'Method Wüst' – beautiful images, no engine room – reaches its limits," said Höne. The duration of asylum procedures has not been shortened by a third, as Wüst claims, but only by a fifth, from 24 to 19 months. In Rhineland-Palatinate, it is three and a half months.
"If you want a real deportation minister, I'm at your service," said AfD MP Markus Wagner, referring to the "asylum summit cosmetics." NRW has the highest number of expellees who remain unfired.
The security plan, approved by the cabinet, includes granting investigators expanded online search powers for radical Islamist extremists, overseen by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This office's telecommunications surveillance powers will also be strengthened, enabling it to access encrypted messaging services.
Following the Solingen attack, criticism from the opposition arose, with SPD opposition leader Jochen Ott stating that the government's failure to deport the suspect was a fault of the state government, not asylum law.
