Aware of the challenge Aware of the challenge

The signal came late, but it came. With an impressive gesture, the members of Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, on Tuesday expressed dismay at the neo-Nazi murder spree that currently has the country in shock. The parliamentarians stood in silence and paid tribute to the victims.

Across the political spectrum, they were united in this clear commitment against right-wing violence. Over the past decades occasions of such unanimity - in the face of such brutal right-wing provocation - have been rare. That is also true for the resolution parliament passed, cross-party and unanimously, calling for a speedy investigation.

Just as clear and appropriate: the planned cuts in funds for victims of rightwing violence have been shelved. It was an unequivocal rejection of right-wing terror. This country is determined to defend its freedom and the dignity of all people who live here, no matter what their race or religious faith, with all the means this constitutional democracy can muster.

This is not mere lip service: it is the clear political will of a democratic community in which - come election time - far-right parties almost always fail.

Shock over the extent of right-wing terrorism has not had a paralyzing effect, quite the contrary: it has shaken up people in general and those who bear responsibility. The neo-Nazis took advantage of the fact that Germany's security agencies focused too long on the threat from Islamists. Largely unbothered by security agencies, they were able to set up their rightwing terror networks.

Now, all of a sudden, authorities have become aware of the challenge. And apparently, they are prepared to draw the consequences, too.

A nationwide register of militant neo-Nazis, improved cooperation among state security agencies, possibly a ban of the far right NPD party - there has to be an unbiased examination of these measures, and they may have to be speedily implemented. This is what the German people expect. Tolerance in matters of religion and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures are part and parcel of modern-day Germany. That is not only due to the country's historic responsibility. It also corresponds to the way the overwhelming majority of Germans look at life. The international community should never doubt that position.

Author: Daniel Scheschkewitz / db
Editor: Michael Lawton