Amid rising violent crime and strained resources, Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik has issued a stark warning about the unsustainable impact of high immigration levels on Germany. In an interview with RBB, Slowik described the current situation as financially and socially unsupportable, underscoring the need for urgent action to protect public safety.
“I believe that a limit has been reached as to what is affordable,” she stated, emphasizing that Germany cannot keep pace with rising immigration without significant strain on its institutions. Slowik highlighted the urgent need for robust social integration programs to instill democratic values, suggesting that these efforts should begin in kindergarten to ensure immigrant children grow up aligned with Germany’s constitutional principles.
The need for action comes as Germany’s crime rate has climbed 5.5% over the past year, with the number of non-German suspects rising sharply by 17.8%, compared to a minor 1% increase among German nationals. Reports by Tagesspiegel indicate these statistics have intensified discussions on crime prevention, particularly as Berlin’s naturalizations surge due to relaxed citizenship laws that now allow eligibility after just five years of residency.
Berlin’s Interior Senator Iris Spranger recently announced plans to expand police authority, with proposals to grant officers access to encrypted communications, biometric data, and other digital resources. These measures, aimed at combating terrorism and crime, reflect a commitment to enhancing law enforcement’s capabilities amid escalating security concerns.
Slowik also suggested creating a closed facility for young migrant offenders, intending to separate them from environments that could lead to repeat offenses. Although the proposal has no immediate plans for implementation, it highlights the growing push for targeted interventions to address migrant crime.
With immigration rates and violent incidents rising, Berlin officials are facing heightened pressure to restore a sense of security in the city. The debate underscores a critical moment for Germany’s immigration policies, as the public calls for solutions that balance compassion with safety.
