Scandal over machete sales: Is the discounter a source of danger?

Scandal over machete sales: Is the discounter a source of danger?

In recent weeks, an unusual article about the sale of garden machetes in the discount store Norma caused a stir. The reporter Marc Sierzputowski discovered a 56 centimeter long machete at the discount store, which is being offered for just 9.99 euros. The back of the product states that the blade is sharp and the machete should only be transported in the protective bag. This raises questions not only about security, but also about the actions of the seller. While a salesman initially denied selling such tools, he ultimately passed the machete under the counter, which aroused Sierzputowski's suspicions that it was a "real device, not a prop." The moderator Philippe Fischer commented that weapons are being sold at pocket money prices, which in his opinion is worrying.

Ralf Schuler, NIUS policy chief, described the machete as an everyday garden tool, but at the same time highlighted concerns about the misuse of such devices. In a critical remark, he calls on Sierzputowski to trim a green area instead of selling such products. In particular, Alexander Kissler, who appeared in the NIUS Live studio, said that machetes have lost their innocence and was extremely critical of sales to hobby gardeners. He referred to the worrying connection of machetes to acts of violence and attacks.

Fear of knife violence in Germany

The discussion about the increasing number of knife attacks in Germany is gaining new fuel. According to the latest statistics, there were at least 15,741 knife attacks in 2024. What is particularly alarming is that more than half of the suspects in North Rhine-Westphalia are foreigners. This comes in the context of a broad discussion about the increase in violence by foreign perpetrators. There was a serious incident in January 2023 in which a 33-year-old stateless person from Palestine killed two young people on a train.

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) has already called for the introduction of a ban on knives on trains and buses. A look back at the last five years shows that knife crime continues to appear in the public debate. Media scientists complain about disproportionate reporting on foreign suspects, which may contribute to social polarization.

Racism and social tensions

However, these developments are not independent of the general social conditions. Racism in Germany, strongly influenced by its past, is not a synonym for right-wing extremism, but can also be seen in more subtle forms, such as in the education and health systems. Structural inequalities often affect people whose first language is not German, which leads to disadvantageous grading and selection in schools.

Surveys show that large parts of the population harbor racist attitudes. 23% of respondents believe that ethnic and religious minorities make too many demands. It should be emphasized that 19,481 xenophobic crimes were registered in 2024, which corresponds to a significant increase compared to previous years. In particular, reporting on anti-Muslim racism and experiences of discrimination among minorities underlines the need to take active action against these social problems.

The machetes found at Norma and the ever-increasing statistics on knife attacks are part of a complex discussion that sheds light on how violence, racism and social diversity are dealt with. In a changing society, it is crucial to understand the background of such issues and to develop strategies that include both the protection of citizens and the preservation of human rights.