New Attorney General Wilkening: Focus on fighting extremism!

New Attorney General Wilkening: Focus on fighting extremism!

A memorable day in the State Chancellery! On November 7, 2024, Roland Wilkening was ceremoniously introduced as the new Attorney General. In a moving act, his predecessor, Dr. Andreas Behm, farewell and honored for his outstanding achievements. Justice Minister Susanne Hoffmann opened the ceremony with a powerful speech in which she emphasized the important role of the public prosecutor's office in the rule of law and thanked Behm for his tireless efforts.

Wilkening, who took office on September 1, 2024, made it clear in his inaugural speech: “We will resolutely combat extremism in all its forms!” He also announced that he would intensify cooperation with the police and Polish law enforcement authorities in order to effectively combat organized and cross-border crime. Digitalization and the upcoming generational change in the judiciary are further challenges that he wants to tackle.

A new path for justice

The event attracted numerous high-ranking guests from politics and the judiciary. Hoffmann praised Behm's achievements, in particular the establishment of the central office to combat hate crime, which plays a crucial role in the fight against right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism. Wilkening, an experienced lawyer with an impressive resume, will lead the Attorney General's Office, which employs over 730 people at four locations. He is the fifth attorney general since the agency's founding in 1991 and brings with him a wealth of experience gained over the past decades in public service.