Security or fear? Discussion about migrants and cityscape in Hesse!

Security or fear? Discussion about migrants and cityscape in Hesse!

A heated debate about security and cityscape is raging in Germany, fueled by the statements of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. At a recent conference in Mainz, Hesse's Prime Minister Boris Rhein spoke clearly and stated that citizens expect honest feedback on the situation. He calls on critics to leave their “feel-good oases” and recognize the reality in the cities. Merz's statements on migration policy have further fueled the discussion, which also brings the need for concrete security measures into focus. One proposal from Rhein includes the use of concrete bollards at public festivals and the establishment of weapons ban zones.

Rhein and his Thuringian colleague Mario Voigt emphasized that Merz speaks of a widespread feeling of insecurity. Voigt interprets the Chancellor's statements as a reaction to the concerns of many people and calls for an increased police presence and more consistent enforcement of existing laws. Another important topic in this discussion is the role of migration and its connection to crime. According to a 2020 study by the Federal Criminal Police Office, the overall feeling of security in Germany is high, but shows large differences, especially in gender-specific perceptions of security.

Feeling of security among the population

The survey results show that just under three quarters of people feel safe in their neighborhood at night. Women in particular feel a higher risk of becoming victims of crime, which is why many of them avoid using buses or certain places at night. Interestingly, adults between the ages of 35 and 45 have a particularly high fear of crime, while people with a migrant background often report an increased perception of crime, which studies have shown is partly due to socio-economic reasons.

The discussion about the crime rate among migrants is diverse. While a small proportion of immigrants commit crimes, statistics show that overall, migrants have higher crime rates than natives. The reasons for this are often stressful living conditions as well as the age and gender composition within the groups. The majority of migrants who have access to the labor market rarely commit crimes, whereas violence among refugees often results from conflicts in shelters.

Social discourse and measures

The problem addressed requires a societal discourse about security and integration. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the SPD expressed disagreement with Merz's linking statements, which further increased political tensions. The need to discuss social integration and access to work opportunities is increasingly coming into focus. The connection between crime and migration is also repeatedly discussed, making it clear that preventive measures for integration are crucial in order to sustainably reduce crime.

The debate is more than just a political argument; it directly affects people's daily lives and sense of security. It remains to be seen what concrete measures politicians will ultimately take to meet the challenges in cities.

In the end, the question arises: How can we work together to ensure safe and respectful coexistence? Experts emphasize that social cohesion is a fundamental prerequisite for everyone in our city to feel comfortable and safe.

For further background information and a deeper insight into the discussion on security and migration, the reports from HNA, daily news and bpb be used.