Berlin’s Justice Senator Calls for Structural Rethinking of Security after Munich Attack
In the wake of the suspected terrorist attack in Munich, Berlin’s Justice Senator, Lena Kreck, has urged against complacency and emphasized the need for a structural review of security measures.
"Regrettably, this is not the first incident we have witnessed in recent months," Kreck told the German Press Agency. "These cases demonstrate that we cannot simply return to business as usual but must fundamentally rethink our security apparatus."
In the Bavarian capital, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, who had been denied asylum, drove his car into a group of demonstrators from behind. At least 28 people were injured, some seriously. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder labeled the incident a suspected terrorist attack.
Kreck highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the federal government’s security package, which has been under discussion for over a year. "It includes new powers for security agencies to adequately respond to current threats," she explained.
However, she noted that the proposals, which seek to expand the scope of facial and biometric data matching by security agencies, have not gained majority support in the Bundesrat due to opposition from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its allies. Kreck believes it is crucial to continue exploring these measures.
"I would like to see the security package reviewed as soon as possible so that security agencies can improve their coordination and detect such threats in advance," she asserted.
The CDU politician anticipates that the incident will ignite a highly emotional debate. "In the aftermath of such events, it is natural to question the state’s ability to address these dangers effectively," she said.
"Therefore, this incident will likely not lead to a more objective discussion but rather the opposite. Nonetheless, I hope that those in political office, despite the understandable emotional turmoil, can come together – particularly those in the center of parliament – to explore measures to enhance our preparedness for such threats."
Kreck emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that involves not only law enforcement but also social and preventive measures. She stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of radicalization and extremism through education, integration, and social support programs.
"We must recognize that security is not just about countering terrorism but also about creating a cohesive and just society where all individuals feel valued and have opportunities," Kreck concluded. "Only by tackling this issue holistically can we effectively safeguard our citizens and build a resilient democracy that is resistant to extremism."
