Anadolu staff
23 January 2025•Update: 23 January 2025
BERLIN
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Bavarian state officials on Thursday for failing to properly implement immigration regulations following a deadly knife attack in Aschaffenburg that left two people dead, including a child.
The attack, carried out by a 28-year-old Afghan national on Wednesday, also left three others injured. Speaking to reporters in Erfurt, Scholz expressed his shock and anger over the incident.
“What we heard from Aschaffenburg worried us, angered us, shocked us. It was a terrible, brutal attack. A child died. Another person who wanted to help died. There are many injured. This cannot continue,” Scholz said.
Authorities have confirmed that the perpetrator had a documented history of violent incidents and mental health issues. Though his asylum application was rejected in June, poor coordination and communication between state agencies prevented his deportation from being carried out.
Chancellor Scholz highlighted recent legislative changes aimed at facilitating deportation proceedings for rejected asylum seekers and illegal migrants. However, he pointed to significant implementation gaps, particularly among regional authorities.
“There are obviously enforcement deficits, particularly in this case with the Bavarian authorities—that is a major problem; we need to discuss it and ensure that things change,” he said.
He pledged that his government would continue taking necessary measures to prevent similar incidents, adding that the Aschaffenburg attack has affected him personally and will continue to do so for a long time.
The Social Democratic chancellor's coalition government is under increasing pressure before next month's snap elections to address domestic security concerns and rising irregular migration. Right-wing parties have criticized the government for long-standing negligence on these issues, with some opposition politicians asserting that its policies have encouraged illegal immigration.
