The latest large-scale raid in Frankfurt’s railway station district shows one thing above all: when the political will is there, problems can be tackled decisively. What Interior Minister Roman Poseck describes as ‘high pressure’ and ‘a consistent approach’ is working – at least in the short term. Thirty-five criminal proceedings, arrests and the deportation of offenders prove that the long-ignored scene has not disappeared into thin air, but was simply waiting for consistent action from the state.

But this progress also raises uncomfortable questions. Why did citizens, residents and security forces have to stand by for so many years and watch the neighbourhood become an open stage for drug dealing, violence, homelessness and misery? The answer lies in a policy that has looked the other way, appeased or been ideologically blocked for years. The way the station district has been dealt with has been characterised by political paralysis, misguided tolerance and a refusal to clearly identify obvious mistakes.

Now it is up to the police alone to sort things out – with considerable commitment, but without sufficient political backing in Frankfurt itself. Interior Minister Poseck openly addresses the divisions in city politics. And rightly so. For as long as individual political forces continue to cling to the illusion that misery can be managed rather than combated, every raid will remain a piecemeal measure.

The results of the large-scale checks carried out so far give cause for cautious optimism. But the goal must go far beyond selective repression: an overall strategy is needed that creates order without neglecting social responsibility. Prevention, withdrawal options, housing policy – yes. But also clear boundaries for those who abuse the neighbourhood as a lawless space.

‘Business as usual’ is no longer an option. Current developments show that it can be done if there is a will to do so. But those who have waited too long should not be surprised that trust will be hard to regain.