The suspected attack on Berlin’s power grid has ignited a fierce debate within Germany regarding the nation’s preparedness for hybrid threats and the escalating vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Konstantin von Notz, parliamentary vice-chairman of the Green Party, has issued a stark warning, demanding a nationwide assessment of sabotage risks and criticizing the government’s perceived inaction.
Von Notz emphasized the long-standing warnings about the devastating consequences of widespread power outages, particularly during winter months, expressing concern over potential fatalities. He directed his criticism squarely at Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), explicitly calling for “concrete measures and plans” to counter hybrid threats and a comprehensive “security offensive”. Von Notz, who also serves as vice-chairman of the Bundestag’s parliamentary oversight committee for intelligence (PKGr), insisted a nationwide situational overview of potential sabotage and attacks is urgently needed.
The recent incident, he asserted, underscores the “severe lapses” in protecting society’s resilience and the urgent need to bolster both the “lifelines of our democracy” and civilian protection – areas he claims have been neglected for years. The need, he argued, is to rapidly enhance safeguarding mechanisms in the face of terrorism and sabotage.
Adding to the pressure on the government, the German Police Union (GdP) has called for new state funding programs specifically aimed at bolstering protection of critical infrastructure. While acknowledging that increased police presence alone is insufficient, GdP Vice-President Sven Hüber stated that improved security requires state-sponsored programs to support facility operators in investing in protective measures. He specifically cited the need to strengthen the security of power cables, networks, hospitals and transportation hubs.
Hüber characterized the Berlin attack as a second such incident targeting a large portion of the city’s population. He described these incidents as not merely localized events but “attacks on our way of life” and a wave targeting Germany’s free and modern society. While he suggested local political activists may be responsible, he also cautioned that such groups could be “incited” by Russia, highlighting the potential for foreign influence and manipulation.