The escalating debate surrounding migration in Germany has triggered a renewed call for heightened domestic security measures, spearheaded by André Berghegger, Managing Director of the German Association of Cities and Municipalities. Berghegger’s intervention follows recent remarks from CDU leader Friedrich Merz concerning the visual impact of migration on urban landscapes, a statement that has further inflamed tensions within the country’s political discourse.
Berghegger, in an interview with “Handelsblatt”, urged a shift away from semantic arguments to focus on the core issue: ensuring citizens feel safe and secure, particularly within city centers and local communities. “The focus should not be on terminology, but on the essentials” he stated, emphasizing the need to improve the quality of life in urban areas and bolster the perceived safety of residents.
The Association’s chief is now directly challenging the federal and state governments to implement more robust crime prevention strategies. While acknowledging the complexities surrounding security initiatives, Berghegger proposed concrete actions, including a significant expansion of CCTV surveillance in areas prone to criminal activity and an increase in joint patrols involving police and local enforcement agencies. Notably, he also advocated for suspicion-less checks – a particularly sensitive measure – at transportation hubs like railway stations, arguing such initiatives could contribute to a heightened sense of security and potentially deter crime.
Berghegger’s call represents a growing pressure on the government to proactively address public anxieties, even if it involves potentially controversial policies. Critics argue that relying on measures like increased surveillance and suspicion-less searches risks eroding civil liberties and can disproportionately affect certain communities. However, supporters maintain these steps are necessary to restore confidence and ensure a palpable sense of safety for German citizens in an increasingly polarized political climate. The debate surrounding these measures is likely to intensify as the upcoming regional elections loom, with security concerns expected to play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment.