Copenhagen, Denmark: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen faced a violent attack on the streets of Copenhagen, marking a disturbing end to the European election campaign. The assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed, was promptly apprehended following the assault. The incident adds to a series of political attacks across Europe, with the most severe being the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15.
The assault on Prime Minister Frederiksen occurred at the Kultorvet market square after a day of campaigning, during which she supported Social Democratic candidate Christel Schaldemose for the EU. Frederiksen, 46, has led the Danish Social Democratic party and a center-left coalition since 2019. Shocked by the attack, Frederiksen expressed her dismay, while authorities investigate the motive behind the violence.
Immediate condemnation of the assault came from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Council President Charles Michel. The Danish government and opposition united in solidarity, denouncing the attack as an affront to democracy. Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt emphasized that an attack on an elected official is an attack on the entire democratic system, a sentiment echoed by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
Reacting to the incident, the Prime Ministers of Finland and Sweden expressed shock. The attack on Frederiksen is the latest in a string of assaults on political leaders in Europe, underscoring the need for heightened security measures. The upcoming crucial meeting on Saturday and Sunday is now clouded by concerns of rising political violence across the continent, prompting calls for greater protection for elected officials.
The attack on Prime Minister Frederiksen serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by leaders in today’s volatile political climate. As investigations into the motive behind the assault continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for unity and vigilance in safeguarding democracy against acts of violence.