German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has highlighted a growing issue: nearly 30% of asylum seekers arriving in Germany suffer from severe mental illnesses, including psychotic disorders that could lead to violent behavior.
Speaking on Stern TV, Lauterbach stressed, “Germany has a security risk,” noting that trauma from war and displacement often contributes to these conditions.
Instead of tightening immigration policies, Lauterbach is advocating for sweeping reforms to Germany’s mental healthcare system, focusing on expanded treatment for asylum seekers. “Without therapy, nobody can deny that they represent a threat,” he said, emphasizing the need to address the issue head-on.
His comments follow a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg, where an Afghan refugee, reportedly suffering from severe psychological distress, killed a 2-year-old child and a 41-year-old man. This incident adds to a series of attacks involving refugees, amplifying public concern about the intersection of mental health and national security.
Lauterbach’s proposal involves creating specialized outpatient psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services for asylum seekers, as well as for other underserved groups like the homeless and those with criminal records or addiction issues. These new branches would collaborate with crisis intervention teams and addiction support services to provide comprehensive care.
Set for discussion in February, the initiative aims to break taboos around mental illness in migrant communities. “We have to do this,” Lauterbach insisted, though he acknowledged the challenges of implementing such reforms on a large scale, given that nearly 2 million people migrated to Germany in 2023 — the second-highest total since 2016.
Critics, however, argue that Germany’s already overwhelmed mental health system may not be able to handle such reforms. The Federal Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) cited bureaucratic obstacles and a shortage of healthcare workers as major hurdles. Many German citizens currently face months-long delays for mental health appointments, leaving little room to accommodate asylum seekers.
The debate has become increasingly politicized, with opposition parties pushing for stricter immigration policies. Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leader Alice Weidel has called for “remigration now,” while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is preparing to propose tougher asylum and border controls.
With election season heating up, Lauterbach’s call for a compassionate, healthcare-centered approach faces stiff resistance, as critics and political rivals continue to focus on security and deportation measures.
