Green party lawmakers have expressed concern that the annual presentation of the police crime statistics often sparks populist debates and generalized blame directed at migrants. According to Irene Mihalic, the political coordinator for the Green parliamentary group, presenting the statistics initiates the same shortened discussion each year: immigration is portrayed as the primary issue, rather than an analysis of underlying causes.
The Bundestag representative and former police officer emphasized that those who are serious about security must not act on gut feelings. Instead, they must base their actions on criminological findings and invest specifically in prevention. She pointed to combating poverty, school social work, and support for men as necessary areas of focus, noting that criminal offenses are often committed by young men. She added that, simultaneously, the rule of law must act consistently wherever crimes occur.
Mihalic co-authored a four-page document with Konstantin von Notz and Misbah Khan titled “Three Ways Against Violence: Preventing, Tackling, Helping” which the newspaper quoted. This paper identifies chronic poverty, a lack of work prospects, exclusion, psychological illnesses, and early experiences with violence as central risk factors.
Misbah Khan, the deputy co-chair of the Green group, stated, “Violence is a security problem, but it cannot be contained solely through police action and prosecution. Therefore, it is high time to redirect greater focus towards prevention, victim support, and social work. Or, more simply put: if one cuts funding for social services, one should not be surprised by resulting social disruptions”.
