Incidences of brutality - Political parties experience setbacks due to assaults on their campaigners.
Throwing stones at politicians, harassment of campaign helpers while hanging up posters, and threats from angry farmers - these are just some of the rougher encounters that politicians face, especially during election seasons when politics and its figures are highly visible. So, how are the parties in Bavaria dealing with this issue ahead of the European election on June 9th?
A representative from the CSU commented, "Assaults on politicians are attacks on our democracy. Assaults on politicians and campaign workers, as well as property damage, are unacceptable and must be investigated and punished." In recent years, there have been minor instances of property damage at CSU party facilities. These incidents have been reported to the authorities.
The Greens are regularly subjected to hate attacks. Green State Chairwoman Eva Lettenbauer responded to a query from the German Press Agency, "Social exchange has been disrupted in some areas for a long time. And the AfD is primarily responsible for this, as they spread misinformation, deliberately create fear, and want to destroy our state. This is a danger to our democracy."
Similar views are held by the SPD. "Right-wing extremists, such as the AfD and others, and anti-democratic forces like Russia are increasingly expressing and sharing racist, anti-Semitic, sexist, disrespectful, and Nazi-apologetic claims, lies, and fake news. They are poisoning the atmosphere, inciting, and making controversial behavior socially acceptable." According to the state party leadership, politicians of democratic parties also share a responsibility if they cross the line to false statements. This sentiment applies particularly to populists who pick up the narratives of the far-right, thereby legitimizing them. The Free Voters have reported no issues.
The Greens have organized an online seminar for volunteers under the title "Strategies against Hate and Hostility" as part of their educational programs. "We continuously train our employees in the areas of safe event management, de-escalation, and dealing with conflicts and protests. We also create formats for targeted colleague exchange and offer the possibility of supervision," shares the party leadership.
Conversely, the other side of the political spectrum has a comparable perspective - but with different symbols. The AfD has advised its campaign workers to remain calm and immediately inform the police if an attack occurs, says the party's state leader, Stephan Protschka. "Verbal attacks have become significantly more frequent," he emphasized. "Some have been spat on or pushed." However, to date, there have been no serious injuries.
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- Despite these challenges, the AfD continues its European election campaign in Würzburg and Munich, facing calls from other parties to curb its divisive rhetoric.
- In the aftermath of an act of violence against a campaigner from the SPD in Bavaria, multiple political parties have expressed concern over the safety of their election volunteers.
- The European elections on June 9th will test the resilience and adaptability of political parties in Bavaria, as they navigate the complexities of campaigning in an era marked by increased political polarization and threats.
- The CSU, alongside other mainstream parties, has pledged to strengthen measures against hate speech and acts of violence during the European election campaign, hoping to foster a more inclusive and peaceful political environment.
- Alliance 90/The Greens have engaged their members in an online seminar titled "Strategies against Hate and Hostility," part of their broader efforts to educate and equip volunteers in handling difficult situations during the campaign.
- While the AfD has reported an uptick in verbal attacks during their election campaign, they have emphasized the importance of adhering to democratic norms and laws, encouraging their campaign workers to report any instances of violence to the authorities.
- As the European election campaign heats up, political parties in Bavaria find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of maintaining democratic principles and ensuring the safety of their campaigners amidst growing threats and acts of violence.
Source: www.stern.de
