Interior politician Konstantin von Notz (Greens) accused the federal government of inaction in the face of growing hybrid threats. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” shortly before North and Eastern European Interior Ministers were due to meet in Flensburg, he stated that the administration has been “absolutely insufficiently” addressing the major dangers emanating from Russia, which imperil the nation’s security, prosperity, and freedom. He labelled this a “massive security policy failure.”
According to the Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Control Committee, Germany is under attack practically every day, with espionage, sabotage, and the widespread dissemination of disinformation being long-standing issues. Addressing the Russian president, von Notz commented that “Vladimir Putin is testing boundaries.” He warned that the government’s current lethargy and its overall lack of strategy are increasingly becoming a genuine security problem. This reluctance has correctly caused immense frustration among allies and partners, particularly those in Scandinavia and the Baltics.
With recent events such as the attack in Leipzig and daily reports of Russia’s extensive influence operations on German soil, the failings of various officials are becoming increasingly visible. Von Notz specifically criticized the Interior Minister for never approaching these topics with the necessary decisiveness, instead consistently deflecting responsibility.
He demanded that the Chancellery assume greater responsibility given the sharp rise in threats. “Chancellor Merz must finally follow up on repeated announcements to Parliament and the public with concrete political actions,” von Notz urged. He stated that real consequences for the numerous incidents of recent weeks are long overdue, and these measures must be closely coordinated with allies.
Furthermore, he noted that Germany could learn a great deal from its partners, especially concerning the handling of the Russian shadow fleet. Von Notz concluded by demanding that the federal government finally launch a genuine security offensive, and that the Chancellor must lead this effort.
