Federal Health Minister Nina Warken has backed Chancellor Friedrich Merz's concerns about women's safety in German cities, calling it a migration-related issue. A survey reveals that a majority of women feel unsafe in public spaces. Politicians demand action over further debates.
The debate over Germany's 'cityscape,' sparked by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), is intensifying. Nearly two weeks ago, Merz stated that migration policy is making progress, 'but we naturally still have this problem in the cityscape.' On follow-up, he clarified: 'Ask your daughters what I might have meant.' On Wednesday, he specified that issues stem from migrants without permanent residency, who do not work and flout rules.
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU), also chair of the Women's Union, backed Merz on Monday to 'Table.Briefings.' She mentioned no-go areas for women in certain places and called it 'also a migration issue.' 'Young women report problematic encounters with men in general, but it's especially described with men of migrant background that there are harassments and assaults,' she said. Warken pointed to differing roles of women in origin countries, evidenced by statistics and reports. Violent crimes have risen, with a 'large part foreign suspects.' Many women feel unsafe, avoid places, and carry pepper spray.
A Civey Institute survey for Funke Mediengruppe from October 23 to 27, polling 5,000 people, supports this: 55 percent of women feel safe at none of the public spots – like streets, transport, or parks. Clubs and stations fare worst at 14 percent. Overall, 49 percent of respondents feel safe nowhere. Merz's communication was rated positive by 47 percent and negative by 42 percent.
While nine SPD MPs proposed an eight-point plan against homelessness, housing shortages, and drugs, and called for a chancellery summit, Landkreistag President Achim Brötel (CDU) rejects it. 'Subjective fears are best dispelled through objective action,' he told RND. He advocates consistent deportations, including to Syria and Afghanistan. Cities and Municipalities Association head André Berghegger calls for measures to make urban areas livable, including architecture and culture.