Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) used the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the USA as an opportunity to take a look at Germany’s fight against Islamist terrorism on Twitter: This is, she wrote on Sunday, “still one of the biggest Dangers for security in Germany”. 26 attacks could have been thwarted in this country since 2000, also thanks to the “excellent work of our security authorities”. “We remain vigilant and fight every form of extremism resolutely and with all severity,” said Faeser.

But a closer look at the facts reveals that the interior minister’s promise is half-baked at best.

Example one: In June last year, the group of experts on political Islamism, founded under the then Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU), met for the first time. The goal: Eleven experts should keep a close eye on this threat in Germany. With recommendations for action, they could then have contributed to combating extremism and terrorism through police measures and prevention.

Just over a week ago it leaked out: Under the new minister, the group of experts is on the brink of collapse. Members of the panel suspected a “political decision”. In any case, a hardly understandable trait from an interior minister who wants to act “with all severity” against “any form” of extremism. Especially since she had identified Islamism as a “serious threat” when the constitutional protection report was presented in early summer.

Faeser is right when she identifies right-wing extremism as the greatest threat to democracy, which is also confirmed by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. However, it must not make the mistake of neglecting Islamism or left-wing extremism. Expert knowledge that could be of use to her should she continue to make use of it.

Example two: Faeser apparently cuts costs with the Federal Police (which is responsible for border protection, among other things). According to an internal paper, 1,240 new posts are considered necessary, but the traffic light has only approved 500. The federal police will have to make do with 497 million euros less than expected between 2023 and 2026.

If Faeser is serious, she has to deliver results for her department. Cheap words on Twitter are not enough. In the fight between the ministries for the distribution of tax money, she must insist that internal security be given the very high priority it needs.

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