Berlin, Germany – A recent rise in assaults on German politicians has sparked concern and condemnation from political leaders across the country. The latest victim, Franziska Giffey, a prominent figure in Germany’s center-left SPD party and Berlin’s state economy minister, was attacked in a local library. The assailant struck her on the head and neck with a bag filled with hard contents, leading to her brief hospitalization.
The attack on Giffey comes amidst a series of violent incidents targeting politicians and campaign workers, particularly in eastern Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced the assaults as “outrageous and cowardly,” emphasizing that violence has no place in a democratic society. These incidents highlight the increasing risks faced by individuals engaged in politics, with the boundaries of acceptable behavior being crossed.
In a separate incident last Friday, Matthias Ecke, a lead SPD candidate in the upcoming European elections, was seriously injured while putting up posters in Dresden. The attack, carried out by four individuals, underscores the growing threat of violence towards political figures.
As the authorities investigate these incidents, there is growing concern about the lack of sufficient protection for politicians and campaigners under current criminal law. Michael Stübgen, the Brandenburg minister overseeing the conference of interior ministers, expressed worries about the escalating trend of physical assaults targeting politicians of both genders.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, vying for increased political influence, faces challenges amidst spying allegations involving a top EU candidate’s aide. The upcoming European Parliament elections and state elections in eastern Germany highlight the political climate’s intensity and volatility.
In response to these attacks, federal and state interior ministers convened to address the growing threats facing politicians. The need for a concerted effort to combat violence and ensure the safety of individuals engaged in political activities has become more pressing in light of recent events.