Security at the German Chancellery faces a significant and potentially critical shortfall, according to the Police Union (GdP), demanding a substantial increase in Bundespolizei (Federal Police) personnel. Andreas Roßkopf, the GdP’s Head of Federal Police, stated to the “Rheinische Post” that a force increase “far exceeding 100 officers” is urgently needed to adequately safeguard the Chancellery.
The call for reinforcement stems from the ongoing expansion of the governmental complex, the “Kanzlerpark” slated for completion in 2027. Roßkopf emphasized that increased security measures are already vital during the construction phase, necessitating a larger police presence now, with a further expansion deemed essential upon project completion. The expansion represents a considerable increase in the area requiring protection.
Critically, addressing this security imperative will require supplementary funding independent of the existing Federal Police budget. Roßkopf cautioned that drawing resources from current operational budgets to cover the necessary personnel would necessitate cuts elsewhere, potentially compromising other vital policing functions. “It would be an undue burden on our current budget and would force us to make cuts in other areas” he warned.
Currently, approximately 300 Bundespolizei officers are responsible for security at the Chancellery. The proposed personnel increase would incur annual personnel costs of roughly €8 million and discussions regarding funding are reportedly underway. This escalating cost highlights a deeper political debate around prioritizing security infrastructure versus other government spending amid ongoing budgetary pressures, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of such significant expansions and the potential for similar strains on other security agencies across Germany. The GdP’s public intervention underscores the growing concern amongst law enforcement regarding the resources available to ensure national security in a rapidly changing landscape.