North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul has signaled a potential willingness to defy convention and seek a third term in office, a move that underscores the ongoing political maneuvering within the state’s ruling CDU. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, Reul stated his decision would hinge on the mandate of the electorate and the wishes of state premier Hendrik Wüst, effectively placing the possibility of his continued tenure within the hands of political calculation. The prospect arises just ahead of the 2027 state elections, raising questions about the CDU’s long-term strategy and the precedent it could set for ministerial appointments.
The announcement comes amidst mounting concerns regarding youth crime in NRW, a complex issue Reul has acknowledged requires ongoing vigilance despite recent statistical declines. While preliminary data indicates a 7.4% decrease in juvenile offenders between 2023 and 2024, falling from 107,962 to 99,984, Reul cautioned against complacency, particularly concerning violent offenses.
A more concerning trend has emerged within the statistics: a marked increase in female juvenile offenders. The proportion of young women aged under 21 implicated in crimes has risen from 26.3% in 2015 to 28% in 2024, a period where the proportion of male offenders concurrently declined. The types of offenses predominantly committed by these young individuals encompass drug-related crimes, assault, shoplifting and, notably, sexual offenses, including the proliferation of child pornography – many facilitated through online platforms.
Beyond the shifting demographic of offenders, a disturbing increase in violence is also apparent. The number of physical assaults has risen by 2.5%, from 27,031 to 27,705 in the past year. Perhaps most alarmingly, the number of attacks on teachers in schools has surged by roughly 33%, with 837 teachers recorded as victims-a clear indication of a deteriorating security environment in educational institutions.
Critics argue that the persistent issues of youth crime and violence highlight a systemic failure to address underlying socio-economic factors and a lack of adequately resourced preventative programs. While acknowledging the statistical reductions, many are questioning the CDU’s approach, pointing to the rising number of violent incidents and the increased aggression displayed by younger individuals as evidence that the current strategies are falling short. The prospect of Reul seeking a third term, already a subject of political debate, now faces additional scrutiny in light of these persistent and deeply concerning trends.