Daniela Behrens becomes Lower Saxony’s new interior minister NDR.de – News

Prime Minister Stephan Weil (SPD) said on Friday at the presentation of Behrens and Philippi at the state press conference in Hanover that he was convinced that they would fit well into the team. He put big pieces in Behrens, which will be the first interior minister in the history of Lower Saxony. Behrens took on one of the most difficult political tasks during the pandemic and was “convinced from the first week”. She “demonstrated impressively” that she was “crisis-tested and crisis-proof”. In addition, there is clear communication both internally and externally. She will also demonstrate this in the Ministry of the Interior, says Weil.

Because: A letter is sufficient for official handover

While the future Minister of Health Andreas Philippi has to be sworn in, a letter is enough for Behrens to be appointed to the Ministry of the Interior, as Weil explained. Behrens, Minister of Health in the state since March 2021, already had the position temporarily after Pistorius’ appointment to Defense Minister became known Head of the Ministry of the Interior. It is the first change in the cabinet since the state elections. The SPD and the Greens have been governing in Lower Saxony for around two and a half months.

Behrens: “Lower Saxony is a safer country and it should stay that way”

Prime Minister Stephan Weil justified the decision in favor of Behrens, among other things, with her work as Minister of Health in the corona pandemic.

The 54-year-old emphasized that she was looking forward to the new task. It is nice to be the first woman to write history in the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior. “I do it out of great conviction and great respect,” said the SPD politician. “Lower Saxony is a safer country and it should stay that way,” said Behrens. Nevertheless, great challenges would await – including the accompaniment of refugees. Another main task is that the security authorities can work well – and that society also supports them, says Behrens.

Experiences in the Economics and Federal Ministry for Family Affairs

Behrens, who comes from the Cuxhaven district, has headed the Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs since 2021, which is also responsible for the areas of health, work and equality. She succeeded Carola Reimann. Before returning to Lower Saxony, she was equal opportunities officer at the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs in Berlin. The trained journalist was State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics in Hanover until 2017, before that she was a member of the Lower Saxony state parliament.

City Day emphasizes previous “constructive cooperation”

Jan Arning, general manager of the Lower Saxony Association of Cities, praised the cooperation with Behrens over the past few years. This applies, for example, to her function as State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs when it comes to closing arcades or when amending the Hospital Act and restructuring Lower Saxony’s hospitals. “We look forward to further constructive cooperation in her new role and wish her the best of luck,” Arning told NDR in Lower Saxony.

Police union: “This department is not easy”

Olaf Kapke from the Lower Saxony State Fire Brigade Association was also positive. He perceived Daniela Behrens as “very competent and experienced”. However, he expects the new interior minister to implement her predecessor’s plans, including the amendment of the fire protection law, as agreed, said Kapke. The German Police Union (DPolG) in Lower Saxony sees many tasks for Behrens against the background of the attacks on rescue workers on New Year’s Eve. “This department is not easy. It requires consistent management, but it also always needs an open ear for advice. Colleagues expect both and deserve it in their daily challenging professional work,” said DPolG State Chairman Patrick Seegers. The designated CDU country chief Sebastian Lechner sees the new Minister of the Interior facing major tasks. This applies in particular to the area of ​​​​refugee accommodation, said Lechner on Friday morning.

Further information

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The SPD politician had not won a direct mandate in the state elections. Now she takes the place of Boris Pistorius. (01/19/2023) more

Lower Saxony’s former interior minister was sworn in on Thursday in Berlin. Nevertheless, he will stay in Osnabrück, he said. (01/19/2023) more

Prime Minister Weil is still looking for a candidate. Apparently, two traded successors do not want to. (01/18/2023 ) more