German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced that measures aimed at counter‑extremist left‑wing activities would be strengthened, and a reward of one million euros has been put in place for information that leads to the perpetrators of the attack on Berlin’s power grid.
He said in Berlin on Tuesday that security agencies would receive additional personnel so they could focus more closely on this phenomenon. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution will also be strengthened in staff terms, with the goal of intensifying the monitoring and suppression of left‑wing extremism.
Dobrindt stressed that, however, there will be no reduction in efforts against other forms of extremism. He described the initiative as a “military build‑up against left‑wing extremism”.
The interior minister confirmed the million‑euro reward for tips that help trace the attackers of the power‑grid assault. A broad information campaign will be launched across Berlin and Brandenburg to encourage public cooperation.
Overall, the investigative powers of security authorities will be expanded, especially in digital investigations such as automated data analysis and biometric facial recognition. A corresponding law has already been set in motion.
In addition, this week a law to protect critical infrastructure will be passed by the Bundestag. The legislation will hold operators of critical infrastructure responsible for conducting risk analyses and building resilience, according to Dobrindt.