German Police Union Chief Links Immigration Crisis to Rising Crime

German Government Faces PR Crisis Following Knife Attack

The German government is facing a public relations crisis in the wake of a terror knife attack in Solingen, carried out by a Syrian national. This incident has underscored the connection between immigration and the escalating crime and violence in the country. Manuel Ostermann, chairman of the German police union (DPoIG), has criticized the current situation, labeling the immigration issues as a crime problem. He also identified Islam as the country's most significant security threat.

Ostermann's Statement on the Immigration and Crime Crisis

Ostermann stated, "Germany is no longer a safe country... The migration crisis is first and foremost a crime crisis." He emphasized the country's growing problem with knife crime and identified Islamists as the primary threat to the safety and security of people living in Germany. He urged for the recognition of this reality and the implementation of measures to combat this security policy issue. As the head of the second-largest police union in Germany, boasting nearly 100,000 members, Ostermann's words carry significant weight with both the public and the police forces contending with Germany's rising insecurity.

Ostermann's Criticism of Political Response to Attacks

Ostermann criticized politicians for their often hollow responses to such attacks, citing the recent Solingen incident as an example. He also pointed out that the Islamist terror attack in Mannheim, which resulted in the death of a police officer, demonstrated the lack of concern for the challenges faced by officers. He expressed his disbelief at the reduction of budgetary resources for the police amidst an increasing threat level.

Failure of Asylum Policy

According to Ostermann, the country's asylum policy is failing. He pointed to the lack of deportation detention centers, bureaucratic hurdles, and inaction from politicians as contributing factors. He also highlighted the high failure rate of deportations as indicative of the problem. Ostermann's views contradict Interior Minister Nancy Faeser's long-held assertion that far-right extremism is the country's most significant threat. This claim is increasingly being questioned in light of record levels of violent crime, a high number of crimes committed by foreigners, and recent attacks by Islamic extremists.

Response from Social Democrat Leader

In response to the Solingen attack, Social Democrat (SPD) leader Saskia Esken stated, "I don't think we can learn much from this attack." This comment was made despite the fact that the Syrian national responsible for the attack had been ordered to be deported in 2022 but had disappeared. He reappeared six months later and was granted protected status.

Bottom Line

The escalating crime rates and recent terror attacks in Germany have ignited a debate about the country's immigration policies and the government's approach to handling these issues. The views expressed by Manuel Ostermann, chairman of the German police union, underscore the growing concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current policies. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you agree with Ostermann's assessment? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.