Bundestag Debates Internal Security Amid Rising Knife Attacks, AfD Initiates 'Aktuelle Stunde'

Bundestag Addresses Internal Security and Knife Crime

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the German Bundestag held an 'Aktuelle Stunde' (topical hour) to discuss the state of internal security in Germany. The debate was initiated at the request of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) parliamentary group, focusing on the significant increase in knife attacks nationwide.

AfD Links Knife Attacks to Migration Policy

During the debate, the AfD parliamentary group's deputy domestic policy spokesperson, Martin Hess, presented the party's perspective. Hess asserted that the 'exploding knife crime' in Germany was primarily a result of a 'completely failed migration policy'. He argued that the figures demonstrated knife crime to be a 'predominantly imported crime'. The AfD's motion for the 'Aktuelle Stunde' was titled 'Zahl der Messerangriffe in Deutschland steigt stark – Ursachen klar benennen und entschlossen handeln' (Number of knife attacks in Germany is rising sharply – clearly name causes and act decisively).

Parliamentary Opposition and Accusations of Instrumentalization

The AfD's stance and framing of the debate met with strong opposition from other parliamentary groups. Speakers from various parties expressed their sympathy for the victims of the attacks but criticized the AfD for allegedly instrumentalizing the incidents for political gain. For instance, Clara Bünger of The Left Party reportedly described the AfD's approach as 'repulsive'. Other parties emphasized the need for a resolute security offensive and a new security culture, independent of legislative measures, that backs and trusts the work of security authorities.

Broader Context of Internal Security Debates

The debate on knife attacks is part of a broader ongoing discussion about internal security in Germany. While the AfD frequently initiates discussions on such topics, often linking them to migration, other parties consistently challenge their interpretations and proposals. The Bundestag regularly addresses various facets of internal security, reflecting diverse political approaches to maintaining public safety and order.