Innenministerium

The Innenministerium, literally “Ministry of the Interior,” is the government department charged with internal affairs in German-speaking countries. It is typically responsible for maintaining internal security, public order, and the functioning of civil administration.

Core responsibilities commonly include policing and internal security, border control and immigration, civil registries and administrative affairs, disaster management and civil protection, as well as issues related to constitutional order and data protection.

Organizationally, the structure varies by country. In federal states there are also interior ministries at the regional or state level. At the national level, Germany uses the Bundesministerium des Innern, für Bau und Heimat (BMI). Austria uses the Bundesministerium für Inneres. In Switzerland, the function exists within the Federal Department of the Interior (EDI) rather than a ministry named Innenministerium.

As with other security ministries, the Innenministerium coordinates with police agencies, border and migration authorities, and other departments. It operates under legal frameworks and parliamentary oversight, and its actions are subject to constitutional protections and civil rights.

The term and exact remit vary by country, but the Innenministerium generally denotes the central executive body responsible for internal affairs and security within a state.