The political fallout from Berlin’s recent power outage has escalated into a bitter public exchange, with accusations of deflection and diluted responsibility dominating the discourse. Felix Banaszak, co-leader of the Green Party, has vehemently rejected claims made by Alexander Throm, the Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) interior policy spokesperson, accusing him of attempting to distract from the Union’s own failings.
Throm had previously asserted that the Berlin attacks, purportedly linked to left-wing extremist groups designated by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, demonstrated a need to cease the “downplaying” of left-wing extremism and terrorism, alleging that such attitudes were prevalent within the “left-green milieu” and contributing to lax investigations. He suggested a historical neglect of investigations into these groups.
Banaszak responded with stinging criticism, characterizing Throm’s remarks as “barely conceivable in their absurdity”. He pointedly highlighted the CDU and CSU’s decades-long control of interior ministries at both the federal and state levels, emphasizing their direct responsibility for the resourcing, prioritization and investigative capabilities of security services. “To now act as if one has nothing to do with this is diverting attention from one’s own incompetence and failures” Banaszak stated in an interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
The attacks occur against a backdrop of persistent, unsolved acts of vandalism and disruption linked to so-called “Vulkangruppen” (Volcano Groups). These groups, classified as left-wing extremist by the Verfassungsschutz, have claimed responsibility for a series of incidents stretching back over a decade and a half, with investigations repeatedly proving elusive. A recent communique, purportedly from the groups, has distanced itself from the latest assault, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation. Federal prosecutors have now assumed control of the investigation, signaling a heightened level of concern among government authorities.
The exchange highlights a broader tension within German politics regarding the assessment and handling of left-wing extremism. The CDU’s attempt to frame the issue as a consequence of the Green Party’s alleged leniency has been met with fierce rebuttal, raising questions about the transparency of past security policies and the politicization of a sensitive domestic issue. Critics suggest the current dispute masks a reluctance within established parties to genuinely confront shortcomings within the security apparatus and a tendency to shift blame for failures.
