CDU security politicians see France's unrest as a warning sign – also for Berlin
Intelligence oversight chair Henrichmann does not rule out attempts by foreign actors to stoke unrest. CDU/CSU interior expert Throm warns of an “unholy alliance”.
Archive image · Photo: Ansgar Koreng / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de (cropped and resized)
After the severe riots in France, CDU politicians are warning of similar developments in Germany. Marc Henrichmann, chair of the Bundestag's Parliamentary Control Panel overseeing the intelligence services, does not rule out foreign actors trying to stir up unrest in Germany, according to the dts news agency. He does not expect the protests to spread on a comparable scale. But he told the Rheinische Post: “There is a network linking the left-wing extremist scenes of both countries.” Germany must “watch closely”, and the intelligence services should monitor possible attempts at influence.
The CDU/CSU group's interior spokesperson Alexander Throm (CDU) called the events in France a clear warning sign for Germany and especially for Berlin. He spoke of an “unholy alliance between left-wing extremist forces, parts of the migrant milieu and criminals” that was “worrying”. Attacks on police officers, destruction of public facilities, arson and looting crossed the line of legitimate protest, he said. Protests have been announced in several German cities for 31 October; the group “Gen Z steht auf” says it rejects violence.