Chancellor Scholz's security to strengthen as threats to politicians surge

In response to the escalating threats faced by Germany's top politicians, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) plans to increase its number of bodyguards from 500 to 700.

Holger Münch, head of the BKA, shared this information with German media, as per Caliber.Az.

He stated, “Currently, we have more than 500 employees dedicated to personal protection. An additional hundred will be added in the federal election year of 2025, followed by another hundred thereafter.”

This decision is attributed to the growing risks both domestically and internationally, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the war in Gaza.

Münch emphasized that the BKA is tasked with protecting key figures, including the German president, chancellor, ministers, and prominent Bundestag deputies. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is regarded as especially vulnerable and is under round-the-clock protection. Other high-profile officials receiving enhanced security include President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Economic Affairs Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

In recent elections in the federal state of Brandenburg, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), led by Chancellor Scholz, unexpectedly triumphed over the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which had been a primary rival throughout the campaign. Preliminary results show the SPD securing 30.9 per cent of the vote, while the AfD garnered 29.2 per cent. However, many SPD supporters reportedly voted not out of strong allegiance to their party but to thwart the AfD’s success.

This unanticipated victory for the Social Democrats, who had been trailing the far-right for much of the election race, may provide Chancellor Scholz with greater political leverage as he navigates discussions about his leadership within the party ahead of the federal elections scheduled for September next year.

By Tamilla Hasanova