Democracy Under Pressure. Germany Balances Liberty and Security in Face of Terror

Major feature. In the wake of the Berlin terror attack in December 2016, leading German politicians have begun demanding changes to the country's security architecture. With autumn 2017 elections approaching, the issue was set to dominate the campaign. But there's also a danger of going too far.

In particular, Interior minister Thomas de Maizière announced proposals on the 3 January 2017 to centralise Germany's security apparatus, pulling a wide range of powers in to Berlin.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Twelve dead as truck hits Berlin Christmas market in 'probable terrorist attack' http://www.europeansources.info/record/twelve-dead-as-truck-hits-berlin-christmas-market-in-probable-terrorist-attack/

ESO: Key Source: German federal election, 2017 http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-federal-election-2017/

The Local.de, 04.01.17: State leaders rip into Berlin's plan to centralize security powers https://www.thelocal.de/20170104/german-state-leaders-blast-berlins-plan-to-centralize-security-powers

The Local.de, 03.01.17: Interior Minister plans major overhaul of German security powers https://www.thelocal.de/20170103/interior-minister-plans-overhaul-of-germanys-security-apparatus

Deutsche Welle, 06.01.17: German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel calls for ban on Islamist mosques http://dw.com/p/2VOqx

Deutsche Welle, 05.01.17: Most Germans feel safe despite terrorism http://dw.com/p/2VNbJ

Deutsche Welle, 08.01.17: German minister accuses Social Democrats of failing to cooperate over security http://dw.com/p/2VTFj

Deutsche Welle, 09.01.17: Germany wrangles over new security measures http://dw.com/p/2VXC1

---