The suspected attack on Berlin’s power grid has ignited a fierce debate within Germany, with Green Party parliamentary group deputy Konstantin von Notz calling for a nationwide assessment of sabotage vulnerabilities. The incident has underscored long-standing warnings about the devastating consequences of widespread power outages, particularly during winter months when they could escalate to fatal outcomes. Concerns regarding the known fragility of critical infrastructure, especially within the energy sector, have persisted for years.
Von Notz has directly challenged Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), demanding concrete and actionable plans to counter hybrid threats. He characterized the current level of preparedness as inadequate, calling for a “genuine security offensive” that includes the creation of a nationwide intelligence picture mapping sabotage attempts and other targeted attacks. As vice-chair of the parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence agencies (PKGr), Von Notz’s criticisms carry significant weight.
The recent Berlin disruption serves as a stark reminder of the societal resilience deficit, highlighting the urgent need to bolster protections for both the foundations of German democracy and the civilian population. Decades of neglect concerning this crucial area of security, particularly in terms of public safety, must be rectified swiftly.
Adding to the pressure, the Police Union (GdP) is advocating for new government funding programs specifically designed to enhance protection against attacks on critical infrastructure. GdP Vice President Sven Hüber acknowledged that increased police presence alone isn’t sufficient. He asserted that meaningful improvement requires state-sponsored financial assistance for infrastructure operators, enabling them to invest in targeted security upgrades for vital installations – including power cables, networks, hospitals and transportation hubs.
Hüber characterized the Berlin attack as a direct assault on the German way of life and a modern, free society, signaling a rising wave of infrastructural attacks. While he suggested that politically motivated activists, rather than a direct order from the Kremlin, may be primarily responsible, he cautioned against dismissing the possibility of Russian instigation. The sentiment underscores a growing anxiety about external influence and the vulnerabilities embedded within Germany’s essential systems.
