Political criticisms leveled by IMK chairman towards the justice minister
Concerning sterner punishments for assaults on politicians, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen has castigated Bundesjustizminister Marco Buschmann for his inaction. The CDU politician voiced this criticism during the Interior Ministers' Conference (IMK), where Stübgen serves as chair at the moment.
The Interior Ministers from the various states advocated for tougher penalties for attacks against firefighters, medics, and local volunteer politicians. As Stübgen put it, decisions will be made on this matter at the IMK, including stronger protection for politicians against cyberbullying. Stübgen noted that it is not yet legally clear what consequences should ensue when politicians are targeted and cyberbullied online.
Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann had earlier opined that, in his view, sterner penalties wouldn't eradicate the escalating aggression towards politicians single-handedly. "Attempting to address the societal issue of the growing crudeness in political debates by resorting solely to criminal law will prove futile," Buschmann said to the dpa.
Following the savage attack on SPD politician Matthias Ecke in Dresden, the Interior Ministers from the Federation and the States have expressed support for sterner penalties for assaults on politicians and their campaign staff.
