SPD council hopeful targeted in frontal shove and verbal assault.
Amid growing violence directed at politicians, Thuringia's top official for protecting the constitution cautions against increasing extremism across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, the latest incident occurred in Gera, where a Social Democratic (SPD) city council candidate faced harassment while distributing campaign materials.
This Sunday, a 36-year-old SPD city council candidate encountered a violent altercation while putting notes in mailboxes. The suspect, a 56-year-old man, reportedly shoved the local politician in the chest and hurled insults at him. Thankfully, the candidate remained unharmed.
Law enforcement responded by launching an investigation against the alleged assailant for assault and verbally abusing the candidate. However, the motive behind the incident remains unclear. Local elections are scheduled for May 26th, and new members for municipal and city councils will be elected throughout Thuringia. In a majority of districts, district councillors will also be newly appointed, along with mayors in all independent cities. Elections for mayors and local mayors are set to take place in numerous locations.
Germany is witnessing a never-ending series of assaults on politicians and campaign staff. Stephan Kramer, the president of Thuringia's Office for the Protection of the Constitution, emphasizes that this radicalization extends beyond the right-wing. "It's not just the right, but the left, considering how left-wing extremists have resorted to physical violence against right-wing individuals," Kramer told Deutschlandfunk. The demonstrations surrounding Israel and the campus-related violence at universities alike demonstrate "they basically don't give each other any ground."
Kramer finds police protection during campaigns "unusual"
"We're witnessing radicalization across the spectrum, culminating in violence," Kramer remarked. This disturbing trend should not be normalized by downplaying the situation as though the right-wing individuals deserve such treatment. Ensuring the rule of law reigns supreme is crucial to prevent further escalation. Those taking a stand in civil society, such as choral societies or sports clubs, find themselves targeted with violence, threats, and intimidation.
Kramer does not claim to have a foolproof solution. "However, I will tell you this: running a campaign under police protection is a strange situation - I think that's something everyone acknowledges," Kramer added. While he acknowledges the police's responsibilities, they have a great deal on their plate. Kramer noted the European soccer championships, the Olympics, and the elevated threat of Islamist terrorist attacks.
In recent weeks, horrifying incidents took place: in Dresden, SPD election worker Matthias Ecke was brutally assaulted and hospitalized, whereas local politician Yvonne Mosler was jostled and threatened while hanging up posters. In Berlin, a perpetrator was temporarily held in a psychiatric ward following an attack on Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's members also fell victim to attacks.
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In light of the escalating violence against politicians, Thuringia's Office for the Protection of the Constitution's president, Stephan Kramer, highlights the need for addressing the rising extremism, cautioning that it's not exclusive to the right-wing but also a concern for the left. Regarding the increased protection required during political campaigns, Kramer finds it an unusual situation that puts a strain on the already overburdened police force, as they also deal with events such as the European soccer championships and the risk of Islamist terrorist attacks.
Source: www.ntv.de
