- The SPD pursuit is focused on enhancing security.
Stricter regulations, stronger support for victims, and expanded authorities' powers – this is how the SPD aims to enhance citizen safety in Germany. Around ten days after the deadly stabbing incident in Solingen, the Social Democrats in the Bundestag are advocating for comprehensive government action at all levels with a position paper.
The SPD group is responding to the growing threats from organized crime, right-wing extremist and ISlamist violence, as well as hate speech and incitement on the internet. The SPD is planning to present this position paper, available through the German Press Agency in Berlin, at its faction conference this Thursday and Friday in Nauen, Brandenburg.
"Turning point" in internal security is also being emphasized. The SPD references the term "turning point" popularized by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Over two years after Scholz classified Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a turning point and initiated support for Kyiv and new military efforts, the authors of the SPD faction argue: "As crucial as the turning point in foreign, security, defense, and development policy is, it must also continue in internal security, and this should be considered together."
The SPD focuses on "comprehensive defense"
According to the SPD, modern equipment of the actors of the new Joint Competence Center for Civil Protection, including the federal government, states, and aid organizations, is crucial. A critical infrastructure law to ensure vital services in an emergency and an NIS-2 implementation law for more cybersecurity of companies and institutions are needed as soon as possible. Military and civilian defense must be ensured in a comprehensive and well-planned "comprehensive defense." A periodic security report should improve forward-looking crime policy. A new asset seizure law would allow the state to seize more of the approximately 100 billion euros in criminal proceeds annually.
Should IP addresses be stored?
The fight against organized crime, including environmental crimes, product and trademark piracy, healthcare fraud, child abuse images, espionage, sabotage, and economic crime, should be strengthened. A task force for a robust democracy in the digital age should, among other things, aim to further and more systematically regulate platforms. Victims should be enabled to take action against anonymous accounts in the digital space: Lower thresholds for individual resistance should be achieved through a right to collective action.
In the SPD's opinion, the prerequisite for this is a reform of the debt brake. In light of terrorism, sexualized violence against children, and hate speech relevant under criminal law, the storage of IP addresses should be considered. More video surveillance at folk festivals or concerts could also help. The SPD faction wants to reiterate its demand for a reform of the debt rule with its paper - also for the required investments in internal security.
The SPD will release their position paper on enhanced citizen safety, featuring proposals such as strengthening regulations and expanding authorities' powers, through the German Press Agency in Berlin. Upon presenting this paper at their faction conference, the SPD will emphasize the need for a "turning point" in internal security, aligning with Chancellor Scholz's stance on foreign policy.
