- Public spaces should be devoid of knives, as per the Minister's statement.
Saarland's Interior Minister, Reinhold Jost (SPD), has advocated for weapon-free areas after the fatal stabbing incident in Solingen. "I strongly believe that weapons, particularly knives, have no place in public areas," Jost declared in Saarbrücken.
Prior to this, Jost had indicated plans to expand weapon-free zones in Saarland. "I anticipate that this will be lawful and implemented within the next four to six weeks," Jost stated. Weapon-free zones, including for knives, could also be instituted in areas not usually associated with crime.
Safety Strategies for Festivals and Events
"We've been prioritizing large events even before this tragic incident and act of terrorism in Solingen, ensuring that events are designed for enjoyment, not fear or anxiety," the Interior Minister mentioned. Both uniformed officers and plainclothes police were present at the Deutschlandtour cycling race in Saarbrücken. Similar safety strategies will be utilized for future festivals and large events.
Jost endorses a firm stance on deportations. "We've already surpassed last year's number of 124 deportations this year," he stated. The increase in removals in 2023 and 2024 is clear. "I stand by the necessity to continue this," Jost emphasized, stressing that it's the law and what people anticipate, especially concerning criminals.
Criticism from the Opposition
"The Interior Minister's promised state ordinance from June, following the Mannheim attack, has yet to be published. Yet, it's essential to institute weapon and knife-free zones in public spaces," said Anja Wagner-Scheid, the interior policy spokesperson and deputy faction leader of the CDU state parliament.
"The 124 individuals currently deported from Saarland face around 2,000 individuals who have no right to remain here," the opposition politician criticized.
Saarland's Interior Minister, Reinhold Jost, also proposed expanding weapon-free zones beyond the initial plans, stating, "I envision this expansion to include areas not typically associated with crime." In response to this proposal, Anja Wagner-Scheid, the interior policy spokesperson of the CDU state parliament, voiced her support for weapon-free zones in Saarland, mentioning, "It's crucial to institute weapon and knife-free zones in public spaces."
