Number of crimes in the Bundestag increases by almost 30 percent

Berlin – The number of crimes in the German Bundestag has recently increased by almost 30 percent. This is according to figures from a current crime statistics report by the news magazine Politico (Friday edition). According to the statistics, 419 crimes were registered in the parliamentary buildings in Berlin last year, compared to 326 in 2023. In response to an inquiry from the magazine, the Bundestag administration stated that the increase was due in particular to a higher number of cases of offenses against the Weapons Act, insults, and property damage. The figures do not allow conclusions to be drawn as to whether the suspects were members of parliament, staff, visitors, or employees of external service providers. Carrying knives or firearms without a permit is considered a violation of the Weapons Act. According to the statistics, there were 251 cases in this offense category in 2024 – 80 more than in the previous year. The statistics show declining numbers for cannabis offenses – there were 16 offenses in the Bundestag last year. By comparison, there were 45 cases in 2023. "The reason for this decline stems from the legislation on the controlled use of cannabis that will be introduced in 2024," according to the parliamentary administration. Parliamentary President Julia Klöckner (CDU) supports a legal basis for the work of the Bundestag police. The aim is to ensure the security of the parliament and, if necessary, to further increase it. The goal is for the Bundestag to remain "an open and secure house."