A political dispute has emerged in Hennigsdorf, Germany, over the implementation of citizen patrols intended to deter theft and “inappropriate behavior” near the town’s train station. The move is notable since the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) voted with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) to approve the measure, breaking with previous political boundaries.
Opponents of the patrols, including members of the Green party, plan to protest the decision on Friday at 17:00 in front of the city hall. While the citizen patrols will not have police powers—their role is limited to alerting authorities to suspicious activity—concerns have been raised that the patrols may disproportionately target individuals whose rights the AfD seeks to curtail, including women, non-heterosexual individuals and people with a migration background.
CDU Response
Despite the concerns, the CDU in Hennigsdorf approved the proposal. CDU faction leader Werner Scheeren defended the decision, stating it was a “preventive measure” worth trying and emphasized that the vote was about the issue, “not party politics.” However, the state-level CDU has expressed alarm, with General Secretary Gordon Hoffmann stating that there are “no coalitions and no cooperation with the AfD,” while acknowledging the vote itself was not a formal breach of rules but a “mistake” politically.
AfD faction leader Dietmar Buchberger cited “recurring security-relevant incidents” in Hennigsdorf as justification for the patrols. However, a police representative reportedly contradicted this claim prior to the vote, stating that Hennigsdorf is a safe city and the concept is unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the citizen patrols?
The citizen patrols are intended to deter theft and “inappropriate behavior” around the train station in Hennigsdorf.
Did the CDU cooperate with the AfD?
The CDU in Hennigsdorf voted with the AfD on the proposal for citizen patrols, but the state-level CDU has stated there is no cooperation with the AfD.
What concerns have been raised about the patrols?
Concerns have been raised that the patrols could disproportionately target individuals whose rights the AfD seeks to curtail, including women, non-heterosexual individuals, and people with a migration background.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the citizen patrols will achieve their intended purpose or if they will further polarize the community and raise concerns about potential biases in their implementation.
