Visiting Marcel Emmerich, the new domestic policy spokesman of the Greens in the Bundestag.
We already knew each other from previous appointments – but this time the exchange took place for the first time in his new role. Alongside current issues and the situation of Jewish life in Germany, the focus was above all on the Greens’ understanding of security, “security for all”.
Our central concern in this: Within the Jewish community there is a strong need for a capable and visible security apparatus. Concerns about data protection or personality rights – for instance regarding video surveillance – often take a back seat here.
For Mr Emmerich this was a very understandable point.
There was agreement that civil liberties and security interests must not be played off against one another – because security, too, is a fundamental civil right.
We look forward to continuing the exchange.
