Rising Violence Against German Politicians Sparks Concern Ahead of Elections
German Politicians Face Surge in Physical Attacks Ahead of Elections
As campaigns ramp up for European Parliament and district council elections in Germany, politicians are facing a disturbing trend of physical assaults. The Federal Criminal Police Office reported a surge in attacks on politicians, with 22 incidents already in 2024 compared to 27 for all of 2023.
The attacks have left politicians like Matthias Ecke, who was beaten up while putting up posters in Dresden, in need of surgery. In Nordhorn, a man threw eggs at a lawmaker before punching him in the face, while in Berlin, a pensioner hit a senator on the head with a bag.
The rise in assaults is attributed to a coarsened political atmosphere fueled by social media and the divisive rhetoric of populist politics. Stefan Marschall, a political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf, noted a shift towards affective polarization, where dissenters are seen as enemies.
Politicians from various parties have reported verbal and physical attacks, with the Greens being the hardest hit. The party reported 1,219 incidents last year, a sevenfold increase from 2019. Members of the Greens, SPD, and other center-left parties blame the rise in confrontations on the rhetoric of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
In response to the escalating violence, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has proposed increasing legal penalties for attacks on politicians and activists, as well as providing more police protection for campaigners. However, some politicians are taking their own precautions, such as avoiding publicizing campaign events ahead of time and holding more security workshops.
The disturbing trend of physical attacks on politicians has raised concerns about the impact on the democratic process. Many fear that the hostile climate will deter candidates and campaigners, ultimately skewing the outcome of elections. As the election season heats up, politicians are bracing themselves for more potential violence and taking steps to ensure their safety.
