North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul has publicly called for greater honesty within the political sphere, acknowledging past hesitancy in addressing certain issues. He admitted to previously delaying the clear articulation of problems, stemming from concerns about inadvertently bolstering the arguments of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Speaking to the “Frankfurter Rundschau”, Reul cited the issue of foreign-born crime as a specific example. He stated it took him approximately two years to openly address the problem, driven by a fear of fueling the AfD’s narrative. He now believes this approach was misguided, arguing that open acknowledgement of facts is crucial for fostering a nuanced and constructive debate. Reul emphasized that the focus should be on specific groups and socio-political causes, rather than making generalizations about all individuals of foreign origin. His release of statistics concerning crimes committed by individuals with non-German backgrounds in 2024 generated significant national attention.
Reul expressed concern regarding the growing strength of the AfD, stating he distrusts the party due to his understanding of its political agenda. He accused the AfD of exploiting public anxieties and offering simplistic solutions to complex problems. He believes politicians should strive for a more relatable and straightforward communication style, engaging with citizens on an equal footing.
The CDU politician has recently authored a non-fiction book, scheduled for release in October, as part of an effort to rebuild public trust in politics. Despite this undertaking, Reul indicated he has no plans for retirement, remaining committed to public service.
