New head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and drug controls in Brandenburg!

New head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and drug controls in Brandenburg!

Brandenburg has seen a number of significant developments today. A central point is the appointment of the new head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Wilfried Peters. The 62-year-old former administrative judge from Berlin was appointed at the request of Interior Minister René Wilke. Peters will take on an important role in analyzing and monitoring anti-constitutional developments. According to the current Office for the Protection of the Constitution report, which was presented on June 18, 2024, it is about the presence of extremist violence and other security-threatening activities in Germany, also in the context of the current Middle East conflict, which is increasingly leading to increased hate crime in this country. This report will be available as a printed copy from the 29th calendar week and will certainly provide plenty of material for discussion.

Another notable incident occurred today on the A15 near Vetschau: the police carried out a large-scale drug check to remove drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Crystal meth in particular remains a serious problem in southern Brandenburg. Previous reports about a “crystal glut” from the Czech Republic indicate that the topic is not losing its explosiveness.

Politically motivated crimes and the Middle East conflict

The crime situation in Brandenburg is also alarming: politically motivated crimes will have reached an all-time high in 2024. According to an analysis by the Federal Criminal Police Office, cases rose by 40.2%, the largest increase since 2001. Particularly striking are the over 7,300 documented crimes that are in the context of the Middle East conflict, an increase of 67.7%. Anti-Semitic crimes are also reaching alarming levels, increasing by 20.8% to 6,236 cases. These developments not only pose significant security challenges, but also raise questions about social cohesion.

In this context, the memorial day on June 17th, which commemorates the popular uprising in the GDR, must also be mentioned. Remembrance of these historically violent events on the occasion of such a report is particularly relevant as it heightens collective memory and awareness of the importance of democracy.

VDK and workplace situation

A positive light shines on current local activities: the cherry harvest has begun, and in Brandenburg the sweet fruits are already for sale on the side of the road. Is this an opportunity to do good business and support the regional economy at the same time? For sure!

Another point that comes up is the water quality of the Schermützelsee. This shows the need for responsible use of local waters. We also have to point out the improvement in bureaucracy. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles in public procurement could be beneficial for many non-profit organizations. The political developments with the SPD mayoral candidate Severin Fischer for Potsdam also provide information about the upcoming elections and their influence on local politics.

The challenges in Brandenburg are diverse and cast a shadow over the positive developments in the state. While the Community strives to reduce bureaucracy and secure water resources, the growing number of politically motivated crimes and drug-related crime remain a worrying issue.

Brandenburg remains mixed. We can only hope that wise decisions and joint action will help us look forward to a safe and peaceful future.