Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President, Daniel Günther (CDU), recently argued that both the state and political system require increased capacity to act effectively. He pointed to fundamental changes in the security situation, mounting pressure on social welfare systems, and a long delay in protecting children from online dangers.
The discussion prompting these views includes Germany’s security architecture following the drone incident at Leipzig Airport. Günther believes that the current strict separation between internal and external security is outdated, stating that “it is anachronistic to continue differentiating between internal and external security.” He advocated for improving cooperation among the Bundeswehr, the Federal Police, and state police forces, suggesting that even an amendment to the Basic Law could be considered. Noting that his own state has prepared for new threats, Günther mentioned that local police have received additional staff and significant investments have been made in drone defenses.
He elaborated that the changing security landscape-marked by espionage, sabotage, and hybrid threats-necessitates better equipping of state authorities. “The threat comes from outside,” he noted, referencing origins in Russia and other countries. “For this, we simply need well-equipped agencies.” Despite these broad concerns, Günther emphasized his great confidence in the police, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, and other security bodies.
Turning to federal politics, Günther was critical of the ongoing debates regarding changes to the planned pension reform. He warned that questioning isolated parts of the package risks jeopardizing the entire reform, urging that “this domino effect should be stopped as quickly as possible.” He maintained that Germany needs such reforms to secure its social welfare systems in the long term and offer prospects to young people, arguing that politics must stop avoiding difficult decisions.
In a separate warning about national politics, Günther cautioned against legitimizing the AfD prior to the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, stating flatly that “the AfD is anything but a conservative party.” However, he remained confident in the ability of democratic parties to find governable solutions even amid challenging majorities. For Schleswig-Holstein specifically, his goal was to ensure that the state parliament could function effectively without an AfD faction after the next election, declaring, “I will do everything to ensure that we remain free of radicals in Schleswig-Holstein.” Despite this hope, surveys currently place the AfD in Schleswig-Holstein at 15 to 18 percent.
Günther also took a strong stance on the protection of children and youth online. He reiterated his demand that social networks should only be accessible to those aged 16 and older. He argued that politicians had underestimated the risks faced by young people too long, stating, “We erred towards entire generations by ignoring this problem.” Referencing violence videos, bullying, mental stress, and harmful beauty ideals on social networks, the Minister-President mentioned that his own daughters are seven and ten. He stated that his family maintains a deliberately restrictive approach to digital media, ensuring, “That social media corporations cannot take advantage of our children until then.”
