Germany’s Federal Police Union (GdP) is launching a scathing critique of the government’s response to the widespread New Year’s Eve riots that plagued cities across the nation last year. The union alleges a concerning lack of political action and insufficient legal reforms following the devastating events, raising serious questions about public safety and the protection of law enforcement officers.
Andreas Roßkopf, head of the GdP’s federal police division, voiced his frustration in an interview with “Bild”, stating that despite the significant public outcry surrounding the riots, “politically, nothing has changed”. This inaction, he argues, is exacerbated by the protracted legal processes involved in prosecuting those responsible, often delaying convictions for months, if they occur at all.
Roßkopf’s assessment paints a grim picture of the situation, describing instances where the scale of the violence felt akin to “a state of war” in certain urban areas. He further emphasized the inadequacy of current sentencing practices, noting that proceedings frequently conclude with “very moderate” judgments. “This cannot and must not be the case. Swift and severe penalties must follow” he asserted.
The GdP’s concerns extend beyond the legal ramifications. The union highlights the increasing danger faced by police officers during New Year’s Eve deployments, with each assignment now carrying the risk of injury. This escalating threat, coupled with the perception of leniency toward perpetrators, has created a demoralizing environment for those on the front lines.
The union is demanding urgent and concrete political support for its officers, arguing that the current trajectory risks undermining the authority of the state and fostering a climate of impunity. The GdP’s criticism signals a growing tension between law enforcement and the political establishment, spotlighting a critical need for a more decisive and effective response to prevent a recurrence of last year’s unrest. The lack of tangible action raises fundamental questions about the government’s commitment to upholding law and order and safeguarding the welfare of its police force.
