- Kretschmer advocates for the Federation's intervention following a knife assault
German State Leader Saxon Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) holds the federal government accountable after the Solingen terror attack. "Despite the sorrow, it's crucial to recognize: This is the moment to cease appeasement and inactivity. The federal government needs to step up and curb the hate," Kretschmer stated to the German Press Agency in Dresden. The 16 state leaders have arrived at a unanimous agreement to substantially decrease migration.
Instead of the 320,000 asylum seekers accepted last year, the proposed figure for German refugee policies should be a relatively low target of around 50,000 individuals in the coming years, Kretschmer reiterated his prior requests. "Our neighbor Denmark is an excellent example. Germany can accomplish this as well, provided the federal government demonstrates its readiness to intervene," he added. This also encompasses the consistent expulsion of individuals with outstanding expulsion orders, as is frequently the case now. Even severe criminals are not being deported sufficient.
Kretschmer: Contemplating the deceased, injured, and their families
"The arson attack in Solingen in the 1990s was an emotional scar on recently united Germany. The words of survivor Mevlude Genc, who, despite the incomprehensible loss of her family members, declared, 'And yet I did not respond with hatred,' were powerful. Thirty years later, a dreadful attack occurred in the same city - it could have happened anywhere in Germany. Our thoughts are with the deceased, injured, and their families," said Kretschmer.
On Friday evening, a man apparently randomly assaulted bystanders during a 650th anniversary celebration of the city of Solingen. He then escaped in the confusion and initial panic that ensued. Two men aged 67 and 56, along with a 56-year-old woman, sadly passed away. Eight individuals were wounded, four severely. The terrorist organization IS claimed responsibility for the act, but there is no confirmation from security sources of an Islamic motive at present. On Saturday evening, a 26-year-old from Syria surrendered to the investigating authorities.
Kretschmer, in his criticism of the federal government, emphasized the need for action against hate following the Solingen terror attack, stating, "Germany, like Denmark, can reduce the number of asylum seekers and ensure sufficient deportations of individuals with expulsion orders, demonstrating its readiness to intervene." Mevlude Genc, a survivor from the 1990s Solingen arson attack, serves as a reminder in Germany that hate should not be met with hatred, even amidst tragic incidents such as the current terror attack in Solingen.
