Chancellor’s appeal comes after four assailants brutally attacked a politician who was campaigning in eastern Germany.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has issued a powerful call to action in response to a recent heinous attack on a politician during campaigning for the European parliamentary elections.
Matthias Ecke, a dedicated member of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and a current lawmaker in the European Parliament, was brutally attacked by four assailants while putting up campaign posters in the city of Dresden, Germany. The attack left Ecke seriously injured and in need of immediate medical attention.
In the wake of this violent assault, Chancellor Scholz emphasized the importance of unity in the face of far-right activism, stating, “Democracy is threatened by something like this, and that is why shrugging our shoulders is never an option. We must stand together against it.”
Scholz also pointed to the role of inflammatory speeches and created tensions in fuelling such acts, specifically mentioning the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Notably, a similar group of assailants targeted a Green party campaigner shortly before the attack on Ecke, underscoring the increasing risks faced by those involved in political activities.
In response to the escalating violence against politicians, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions and vowed to take strong measures against those seeking to undermine them.
‘Extremists and populists’
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola joined a chorus of European leaders in condemning the attack on Ecke, highlighting the growing trend of violence towards political figures.
Recent government data revealed a troubling increase in attacks on politicians from various parties, with the rise attributed to the verbal aggression of extremists and populists against democratic principles.
With far-right extremism identified as a significant threat to German democracy, efforts to combat this dangerous ideology remain a top priority for authorities.
The surge in support for the AfD, particularly in eastern states like Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg, underscores the urgent need to address the root causes of political violence and polarization.
As Green party politicians bear the brunt of aggression, there is a pressing need to safeguard the democratic process and protect those who engage in political activities.