AfD seizes on CDU state premier's remarks after Berlin terror attack

Published Jul 29, 05:11 PM UTC

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Following the Islamist terrorist attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade, Saxony-Anhalt's CDU Minister President Sven Schulze stated he does not want 'such people' in Germany, referring to those who reject German culture. The AfD in Thuringia seized on this, arguing that Schulze is now articulating the same political goal—revoking citizenship for dual nationals—that was used to label the AfD as unconstitutional in 2024. Schulze later clarified his position, emphasizing the protection of the rule of law and stating that those who commit serious crimes or support terror must face consequences, including revocation of German citizenship for dual nationals where legally possible. The attack, carried out by Abdul Ballout, resulted in one death and 31 injuries before Ballout was shot dead by police.

Source report

Sven Schulze (l., CDU) and Ulrich Siegmund (AfD) at the election forum “RND vor Ort.” Source: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa

CDU Minister President Sven Schulze stated after the CSD attack that he “does not want such people here in Germany.” The AfD in Thuringia has now responded to his remarks, prompting Schulze to clarify his position.

Schulze’s Initial Statement

In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister President Sven Schulze said he “does not want such people here in Germany,” referring to individuals who “do not accept our culture.” He acknowledged that the perpetrator was born in Germany and holds a German passport.

AfD’s Response

Thuringia’s AfD parliamentary group issued a press release stating:

“At the same time, the Union is discussing the revocation of German citizenship for dual nationals. With this, a CDU Minister President is formulating for German citizens exactly that political goal, the mere imputation of which against the AfD in 2024 served as proof of its alleged unconstitutionality.”

Schulze’s Clarification

On Wednesday, Minister President Schulze explained:

“My concern is the protection of people in our country.”
“Anyone who opposes our rule of law, commits serious crimes, or supports terror must feel the consequences.”
“Anyone who has no right to stay must leave Germany.”

Regarding individuals classified as threats with dual citizenship, Schulze added:

“Where our law allows the revocation of German citizenship for dual citizenship, we must also use these options. A capable rule of law stands for that.”

Background on the CSD Attack

In the terrorist attack on Saturday, on the sidelines of the Christopher Street Day event in Berlin, Abdul Ballout allegedly drove a car into several people. He is then believed to have injured more individuals with a machete.

One woman was killed.
31 people were injured, some seriously.
Ballout was shot dead on Sunday evening by police officers who confronted him.

dpa/rct

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Source

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Original headline: „Er formuliert genau jenes politische Ziel, …“ – AfD kommentiert Schulzes Aussagen nach CSD-Anschlag

Original language: DE

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AfD Seizes on CDU Minister President's Remarks After Berlin CSD Attack

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