Election Effort in Saxony - Election campaign security is under scrutiny by various political entities.
Election period gets tense as threats towards candidates and assistants escalate in Saxony. With a week left until Saxony's state vote, elections have entered a critical phase, bringing potential dangers for campaign volunteers. The German Press Agency (dpa) inquired about the situation with SPD, CDU, Greens, Left, AfD, BSW, and FDP, and they all confirmed beefing up their security measures for this election.
In recent weeks and months, campaign aides from various parties in Saxony have been targeted by assaults. For instance, a Left group was menaced with a machete in early August. Previous elections had also seen instances of aggression against campaign teams during the European and local polls.
Per the Saxony Interior Ministry, nearly 900 politically charged offenses have occurred in relation to the local, European, and state elections this year. An assault on SPD MEP Matthias Eckardt in Dresden in early May triggered widespread concern. He was attacked by several individuals, resulting in severe injury and hospitalization.
Police enhanced presence at gatherings
In response to these incidents, parties have intensified their security precautions to safeguard campaigners and assistants better. These individuals usually work in groups at night and register their events ahead of time with the police. In early May, the Saxony police reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with parties to ensure the safety of campaigners and assistants in the state.
Prior to the campaign's commencement, campaign assistants were also educated on security matters, such as by the Greens. "Our primary volunteer helpers are frequently briefed on potential situations and the appropriate responses," stated FDP deputy chairman Thomas Kunz. The AfD declined to comment on their specific security measures due to security concerns.
Violence escalates to new heights
The SPD acknowledged that the campaign atmosphere has grown somewhat hostile. "Verbal attacks, poster defacement, and violence have become more frequent," a representative explained. The CDU also voiced concerns about the escalating trend. "As Saxony's Union, we are concerned with the repeated attacks on campaigners," a spokesperson said.
Although violence against campaign assistants is a recurring issue, it "reached unprecedented heights during the latest European and local election campaigns," noted William Rambow of the Left. Although fewer reports of assaults have emerged in the state election campaign so far, "campaigners have already been threatened with a knife," he added.
Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) reported that they have yet to witness significant violence. "There have only been incidents of damaged posters and large-scale displays," stated BSW spokesman Eric Recke.
Prompted by the escalating threats, the Greens have increased their use of green-colored bodyguards during campaign events in Saxony. To ensure the safety of their volunteers, they've encouraged their team to communicate openly with local green-uniformed police officers.
As the Green Party implements these protective measures, other parties in Saxony are following suit. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding their campaign workers, they're now coordinating closely with green-vested police officers throughout the election period.
