Green Party deputies have expressed concern that the presentation of the current police crime statistics (PKS) tends to trigger popularized debates that make broad accusations against migrants. Irene Mihalic, the parliamentary chief of the Green parliamentary group, told the “Rheinische Post” (Monday edition) that the event initiates a predictable, shortened debate based on shaky data every year, whereby migration is declared the primary issue rather than its root causes being analyzed in detail.
The Bundestag deputy and former police officer stated that anyone serious about safety should not act based on mere gut feeling; instead, they must build on criminological findings and invest specifically in prevention. Mihalic emphasized that tackling poverty, educational social work, and men’s work are crucial areas for investment, as young men continue to be disproportionately involved in crimes. She also stressed that where criminal acts occur, the rule of law must act consistently.
Together with Konstantin von Notz and Misbah Khan, Mihalic authored a four-page paper titled “Three Ways Against Violence: Preventing, Intervening, Helping” which the newspaper quoted. The paper identifies poverty, lack of work and prospects, exclusion, mental illness, and early experiences of violence as central risk factors.
Misbah Khan, the deputy co-chair of the Green parliamentary group, commented that while violence is a safety issue, it cannot be contained solely through police action and criminal prosecution. Therefore, she argued, it is vital to place greater emphasis again on prevention, assistance for victims, and social work. In simpler terms, she suggested that those who cut spending on social services should not be surprised by resulting social disruptions.