The weapon itself is the issue.
"Violence is unacceptable in our democratic society. The perpetrator should face severe consequences", stated Olaf Scholz, labeling the crime scene as "disgusting". After a few weeks, the Chancellor voiced his concerns again about "another disgusting crime" and promised: "We need to take action to enforce the law and severely punish the culprit."
The circumstances were similar - the crimes were too. Initially, the Social Democrat's remarks referred to the knife attack perpetrated by an Islamic extremist in Mannheim, while the second statement was about a probable Islamic extremist's knife attack in Solingen. Expressions of condolence and upholding the rule of law were necessary and appropriate, although they may not mend the grief or alleviate the pain. The families of the deceased, survivors, and the populace need to know they are not alone, that the entire society stands by their side.
However, the politician's words now seem like a ritual, like repeating worn-out phrases. Soon, the announcement follows to take further measures for internal security and "act decisively", usually accompanied by statements such as: "It's time we stay vigilant." And "We will protect our way of life." This has been on-going for a decade, and it was also the response following New Year's Eve 2016, when women were sexually abused at Cologne Cathedral Square, and then-Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a firm response from the rule of law.
Record-high crime rate
People expect proactive, tangible, long-term, and effective action instead of simply announcing measures. Almost everyone is aware of the problems, whether they choose to ignore them or not, and regularly read reports of knife attacks, acts of violence, and sexual assaults. Anxiety and fear have become increasingly prevalent in Germany, and they are no longer just related to a loss of public security.
The sense of living in a safe country has diminished for many, and subjective assessments are no longer sufficient to contradict it. The statistics have shifted in line with the perception. Violent crimes reached an all-time high of 214,099 registered cases in 2023. Knife attacks increased by approximately 800 from 2022, amounting to nearly 9,000 instances. Almost half of all suspects involved in all crimes do not possess a German passport.
Although the stats relate to the end of the Corona pandemic and the economic situation in the country, the virus did not confine itself to Germany, and lockdowns were imposed worldwide. Similarly, economic struggles are not exclusive to Germany. It is unnecessary to redefine police statistics and offer the population guidance on how to live their daily lives, given that they are well-aware of the situation.
The years of downplaying the dark side of uncontrolled immigration and whitewashing were senseless from the outset, and to continue would be foolish.
In a statement following the murder of the Mannheim police officer, Scholz stated in June: "Those who wish to live in freedom and peace in Germany should not feel threatened. Rather, those who threaten our freedom and disrupt peace should feel threatened." Soon afterwards, the Chancellor proclaimed before the Bundestag that "without security, everything is meaningless." As is often the case, Scholz delivered the correct words, but they failed to translate into concrete actions.
Knife restrictions are empty gestures
The knife restrictions proposed by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are mere symbolism and will fail to deter terrorists, such as those responsible for the attacks in Mannheim and Solingen. The planned deportations of heavily criminal asylum seekers have been delayed - Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is obstructing the project. Faeser intends to enable the Federal Criminal Police Office to secretly gain access to apartments and install spy software on computers to combat terrorism. Instead of examining how the law could be made constitutional and misuse prevention measures considered, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann of the FDP immediately dismisses "secrecy in apartments" as an "absolutely taboo" idea, to the delight of the numerous suspects in Germany.
Who can keep up with all of this? Following the Cologne New Year's Eve incident, a high-ranking police officer in North Rhine-Westphalia revealed anonymously to n-tv.de: "It's not solely about more police officers, prosecutors, and judges, but also reforming the Criminal Procedure Code, constructing new prisons, employing more social workers, intelligent urban planning, and addressing ghettos, and improving dysfunctional youth welfare offices. It's about a comprehensive and consistent immigration policy with a corresponding clear and consistently implemented legislation." Perhaps politics will finally break free of taboos and collaborate to restore the population's trust. Issuing warnings, expressing sympathy, condemning, announcing grand plans, and then essentially leaving things as they are, will not remedy the situation. It's not just the length of the knife that is the problem, but the individuals using it to wage war against their fellow human beings. Maybe, the key players in the traffic light coalition will eventually recognize that there is not only a right to asylum, but the constitution also guarantees every federal citizen the right to life and physical integrity, which imposes a responsibility on the state to protect its citizens.
In light of the increased knife attacks, the public has lost faith in merely announcing measures and expects concrete actions. For instance, the recorded cases of knife attacks increased by approximately 800 from 2022, reaching nearly 9,000 instances in 2023.
The knife restrictions proposed by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser are largely symbolic and are unlikely to deter individuals involved in terroristic activities, as shown by the attacks in Mannheim and Solingen.
