Skyrocketing crack use - CDU calls for immediate state intervention

In the heart of Saarland, concerns about the escalating drug issue have been rising, and CDU politician Alwin Theobald is at the forefront of the criticism. Theobald, the CDU state parliament faction's drug policy spokesman, has sharply criticized the state government's approach, calling for decisive political action to support aid facilities and increase prevention work.

The situation, as evidenced by the numbers from the Saarbrücken Drug Help Center, is deteriorating. The center, which provides essential support to those struggling with drug issues, has faced staff shortages, leading to 14 closure days last year. The number of crack consumption incidents in Saarland has increased fivefold within a year, with over 600 incidents recorded monthly in the protected spaces of the Saarbrücken Drug Help Center.

Theobald suggests focusing on combating the causes of drug issues, such as through better social political accompaniment, housing security, and low-threshold health care. He believes that the state government can no longer ignore the escalating drug situation in Saarland and that lip service is not enough. He calls for a reform of its drug policy to address the issue effectively.

Theobald has also criticized the state government's dismissal of his previous criticism about the alarmingly increased drug consumption in Saarland. He finds the staff shortages at the Saarbrücken Drug Help Center particularly serious, especially in a phase where help is needed more than ever.

However, no specific actions or plans have been mentioned to address these issues. The state government's drug commissioner is now facing the reality of the exploding drug consumption in Saarland. It is yet unknown whether and when the state government will respond to these developments with a reform of its drug policy.

Meanwhile, the SPD politician Matthias Mieves, who is engaged in discussing the cannabis legislation and drug issues, has indicated that the SPD approaches cannabis policy openly and in cooperation with coalition partners. Landtagspräsidentin Heike Winzent (SPD) is noted for promoting inclusive democratic formats like the Bürgerrat in Saarland, which may indirectly relate to policy discussions but without explicit reference to drug policy.

Theobald expresses concern about the plight of the affected individuals, citing homelessness, neglect, and acute health risks. He states that it is unacceptable to remain indifferent to the plight of these individuals. The latest annual report of the Saarbrücken Drug Help Center was mentioned, but no specific details about its contents were provided.

As the drug issue continues to escalate in Saarland, Theobald's demands for concrete measures to support aid facilities and more intensive prevention work in addressing the drug issue remain urgent. The future response from the state government will be closely watched as they navigate this critical situation.