(de-news.net) – In the aftermath of the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Chancellor Scholz has called for a comprehensive investigation into potential security lapses and the enhancement of powers for security authorities. He noted that authorities had received multiple warnings about the perpetrator over the years. Scholz expressed profound concern over the incident, having engaged with affected individuals on-site, and underscored the necessity of thoroughly examining whether there were any failures at the state or federal level, to determine if the attack could have been prevented. Scholz also advocated for increased powers for security agencies, emphasizing the need for cooperation with the CDU and CSU to pass requisite legislation in the Bundesrat.

Meanwhile, Union Chancellor candidate Merz demanded stricter measures against offenders with a migration background, criticizing the tolerance of individuals who do not integrate. Union Vice-Chair in the German Bundestag, Andrea Lindholz (CSU), has proposed an agreement on the remaining components of the security package and called for the mediation committee to be convened. Lindholz highlighted the need for a robust security package to better protect the population, including minimum storage periods for IP addresses and automated facial recognition. She urged Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) to convene the committee to achieve significant progress on security before the Bundestag elections. Lindholz criticized SPD, Greens, and FDP for not supporting these measures earlier, while Faeser has advocated for the immediate approval of pending security legislation.

The 50-year-old perpetrator of the Magdeburg attack, a doctor and apparent radical Islam opponent, did not fit previous offender profiles but had prior convictions for threats. The Saudi Arabian man drove a car through the Christmas market a week ago, resulting in five deaths and over 200 injuries.