Recently, several political leaders have been threatened or attacked in Germany. These incidents take place in a tense electoral context, notably with the European elections on June 9.
According to German police, nearly 3,000 crimes were committed against political leaders in 2023. A number that is up compared to the previous year. Parliament held a debate on the rise in this violence.
“Something has gone wrong in this country. Violence is now part of the political debate. People involved and volunteers are physically attacked, beaten, punched, pushed, etc.“, declared Lisa Paus, Minister of Families.
Some of these incidents take place as the European elections approach.
“We condemn them in their entirety. They must be investigated and their perpetrators punished without restriction. I am speaking directly to all parties in this assembly and beyond. We must not make a distinction. However, many of them are once again making it easier for themselves and playing the extremism card, as we heard from the minister. But this is exactly what citizens already know. Either the AfD is to blame again, or (Russian President Vladimir) Putin“, said Tino Chrupalla, co-chairman of the AfD party.
