Radical Ideologies - Lübcke murder: Rhine urges population to support democracy
Boris Rhein, the Minister President of Hesse and a member of the Christian Democratic Union, has urged for strong responses to combat hate and hateful behaviors. Speaking on the fifth anniversary of the murder of Walter Lübcke, a former government president of Kassel, Rhein emphasized that our way of life is endangered from both internal and external forces. He stated that democracy isn't a given and doesn't allow for complacency. "Democracy requires intervention, needs people who are willing to stand up for it; people who have courage and conviction, ready to defend our values and fight for their preservation."
Walter Lübcke, a Christian Democrat, was tragically shot dead on his terrace in the Wolfgang-Istha district of Kassel on the 2nd of June 2019. The culprit behind the act was a right-wing extremist named Stephan E., who had targeted Lübcke due to his progressive stance on refugee policy. Stephan is now serving a life sentence for his actions, marking the first politically-motivated murder of a federal German politician by a neo-Nazi in the Federal Republic. To honor Lübcke's memory, a commemoration ceremony will be held in Kassel on this coming Sunday, with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in attendance.
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Boris Rhine's call for action against hate comes in the context of the fifth anniversary of Walter Lübcke's murder, a prominent Democrat who was assassinated in Kassel, situated along the Rhine. The incident served as a grim reminder of Germany's struggle with extremism, as Lübcke's killer, a right-wing extremist, was motivated by Lübcke's support for refugee policy. This heinous crime, marking the first politically-motivated murder of a federal German politician by a neo-Nazi, took place in the Wolfgang-Istha district of Kassel. As we commemorate Lübcke's life and legacy on this coming Sunday in Kassel, we must reaffirm our commitment to democracy and stand against the threats that seek to undermine it.
In the spirit of upholding democracy, the CDU, the political party to which both Lübcke and Rhine belong, continues to advocate for strong responses to combat hate and extremism. The incident serves as an alarming reminder that even in progressive democracies like Germany, democracy is not a given and requires continuous vigilance and collective action. The people of Hesse, under Rhine's leadership, are expected to play a pivotal role in this fight against extremism, as they embody the values of tolerance and unity that democracy reflects.
In fulfilling their responsibilities, Rhine and the CDU must also examine existing policies and take initiatives to mitigate the root causes of extremism. Addressing crime and promoting dialogues are key components in this mission, as they help build stronger communities that are resilient against divisive ideologies. With a unified front against hate and extremism, Germany can continue to be a beacon of democracy in Europe and beyond.
