German police will increase the number of bodyguards for leading politicians

BERLIN (AP) – A German police agency that ensures the security of leading politicians plans to significantly increase the number of its bodyguards in the coming years, citing growing threats at home and abroad. next national election is approaching.

The head of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Holger Münch, told the RND newspaper group in a commentary published on Tuesday that his office currently has more than 500 bodyguards. He was quoted as saying that 100 will be added next year and another 100 after that.

“This is not only related to growing domestic dangers, but also to international threats, such as the Ukraine or Gaza wars,” said Münch.

His office is responsible for the protection of politicians such as Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, federal ministers and leading members of the German Bundestag.

Federal elections are scheduled for September 28 next year. German politics is in a discontented and unstable state, with Scholz leading an unpopular three-party coalition government notorious for its internal power struggles and far-right movement. Alternative for Germany The party polls were strong.

Scholz wants a second termHe faces a challenge from the conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merzwhose Union bloc is leading in the national polls.