German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged citizens to respond to attacks against politicians by casting their votes in the upcoming elections. “Attacks on our democracy concern us all,” said Scholz in a video message released on Thursday.
He emphasised the importance of not standing idly by when politicians, campaigners, and volunteers are brutally attacked, stating, “A response that each and every one of us can give is quite simple: go vote!”
The postal voting for the European elections on June 9th has already begun. For the first time in Germany, 16- and 17-year-olds can also participate in the voting process. “My plea to you all,” said Scholz, “is to get involved!”
Violence against individuals during election campaigns is an expression of hatred and incitement against a liberal, open, and democratic society, said Thuringia’s Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (Left Party) in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, adding, “These attacks are attacks on all of us.”
In response, he called for unity. Ramelow’s proposal includes joint poster campaigns against violence and for democracy, “positively supported by fairness agreements of all democratic parties.”
In contrast, SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil demands “tough action” against perpetrators of violence in the “Rheinische Post”.
He emphasises the need for “increased police protection for events” and “consistent action by prosecutors and judges against the perpetrators.”
Local politicians should have the opportunity to “report incidents so that they are taken seriously.” Too often, he argues, harassment or threats are not pursued diligently enough.
Recent Arrests Made in Germany in Connection with Assaults on Politicians
Germany has recently apprehended three individuals suspected of being involved in a serious assault on leading candidate of the Social Democratic Party of Germany in the European elections, Matthias Ekke.
The beating was so severe that the politician had to be hospitalised and undergo surgery.
Earlier, Bundestag deputy from the Greens, Kai Gering, and his party colleague Rolf Fliss were attacked after a party event in Essen.
One of the members of the SDP was attacked in a library.
Germany’s Minister of the Interior, Nancy Fezer, and the interior ministers of the 16 federal states have stated their intention to strengthen laws to protect politicians and assistants during elections from politically motivated violence.
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