Germany to Expand Intelligence Powers After Berlin Arson

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced tougher action against left-wing extremists and radical climate activists following an arson attack on the electricity grid in Berlin. "We strike back and will not leave the field to left-wing or climate extremists", the Christian Social Union (CSU) politician told the Bild am Sonntag daily.

The planned package of measures includes both an expansion of intelligence staff and broader digital powers to allow authorities to monitor extremist groups more effectively and follow digital trails more quickly.

A second element of the package is a new law to protect critical infrastructure, aimed at better shielding energy companies, airports and other strategic facilities from sabotage, terrorist attacks and the consequences of natural disasters.

A week ago, a suspected left-wing arson attack on a cable bridge in Berlin's Steglitz-Zehlendorf district left around 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses without electricity. Power was fully restored on Wednesday, authorities said.

(tagesschau, bak)