North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul has publicly advocated for increased transparency and honesty within political discourse. Reflecting on past practices, Reul admitted to instances where he delayed addressing critical issues, motivated by a concern about inadvertently bolstering the arguments of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Speaking to the “Frankfurter Rundschau”, Reul cited the topic of foreign-born perpetrator crime as an example, acknowledging a two-year hesitation before publicly and clearly defining the issue. He explained this reluctance stemmed from a fear of being perceived as validating the AfD’s narrative. However, Reul now believes this approach was counterproductive, stating that open acknowledgement of facts is essential for a nuanced and informed debate. He emphasized that the issue is not about generalizing criminality but identifying specific groups and addressing underlying socio-political factors.
Reul expressed concern regarding the growing support for the AfD, voicing distrust in the party’s motivations and methods. He accused them of exploiting public anxieties and offering simplistic solutions to complex problems, a strategy he believes is fundamentally disingenuous. He called for a return to more relatable and accessible political communication, urging politicians to engage with citizens on a more equal footing.
The CDU politician recently completed a non-fiction book, scheduled for release in October, focusing on these themes. Despite his extensive career, Reul indicated he has no intention of retiring, stating his primary goal is to help restore public trust in political institutions.