Prominent Figures Demand Tougher Action Against Urban Violence in Open Letter to Merz
Sixty prominent figures, including Green Party politician Ricarda Lang, climate activist Luisa Neubauer, and musician Joy Denalane, have penned an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The letter outlines ten demands aimed at improving urban safety and addressing sexualized violence.
The signatories call for stricter prosecution of sexualized and domestic violence, improved lighting and surveillance in public spaces, and recognition of femicide as a distinct criminal offense. They also advocate for reform of Section 218 governing abortion. The letter is a response to Merz's controversial 'Stadtbild' comments two weeks ago, where he stated that migration policy still poses challenges in urban landscapes.
Merz has yet to address these demands, focusing instead on vocational training and attracting young people to skilled trades during a recent press conference. However, his remarks have sparked dozens of demonstrations and an online petition with over 245,000 signatures. Conservative interior policy experts have proposed video surveillance with biometric facial recognition, but legal concerns persist.
Federal Health Minister Nina Warken agrees with the need for action in city centers, acknowledging that improvements in lighting, cleanliness, and video surveillance are necessary but not sufficient. SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has called for 'tangible solutions' and agreed with Union parliamentary leader Jens Spahn to begin discussions on creating a safe urban environment.
The open letter, signed by prominent figures, demands tougher action against sexualized and domestic violence, improved public space safety, and recognition of femicide as a distinct criminal offense. While Chancellor Merz has not yet responded to these demands, political discussions on the matter have begun.
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