- Regulations prohibiting stabbing incidents
The frequency of knife assaults is on the rise. However, comprehensive data from the Federal Criminal Police Office is only available for a limited period, leading to disagreements among experts about its authenticity. German Minister of Interior, Nancy Faeser (SPD), has now suggested allowing knives with blades up to six centimeters long in public spaces, a significant decrease from the current twelve centimeters. Moreover, switchblades would be outlawed entirely.
83% back measures against knife attacks
A majority of Germans endorse stricter knife regulations, as suggested by Faeser. According to a Forsa poll for Stern, 82% favor restrictions on carrying and owning longer knives. 16% disagree with these restrictions, and 2% are undecided.
Support for these measures cuts across all social demographics and political affiliations. 86% of Union supporters, 85% of SPD and Green supporters, 80% of AfD supporters, 79% of FDP supporters, and 76% of Alliance for Progress supporters endorse these changes. The highest percentage of opposing views comes from FDP supporters (21%).
Data collected by market and opinion research institute Forsa for Stern and RTL Germany on August 8 and 9, 2024. Sample size: 1001 respondents. The survey is representative. Statistical error margin: +/- 3 percentage points
The Forsa Institute conducted a poll for Stern and RTL Germany, revealing that 82% of Germans support the stricter knife regulations proposed by Minister Faeser. The Forsa Institute, known for collecting market and opinion data, provided these findings on August 8 and 9, 2024.