Politicians in Brandenburg and Saxony from the Green and Left parties were recently attacked while hanging up election posters. In the Oder-Spree district, two Left party candidates were assaulted by a group of teenagers. In Saxony, there were four attacks on Green party politicians in one day. The attack on the Left party politicians occurred in Schöneiche, where a 14-year-old intoxicated suspect was arrested. The incident involved threats to destroy election posters, physical attacks on the politicians, and the use of a right-wing slogan. Both candidates managed to escape, but sustained minor injuries.
The police identified a 14-year-old suspect with a blood alcohol level of 1.04 Promille and condemned the incident, acknowledging the escalation of political violence and the rise of hostility towards politicians. Such incidents contribute to discouraging individuals from engaging in politics and running for local offices. In addition to the attack in Brandenburg, there were four separate attacks on Green party representatives in Saxony within a day. In Chemnitz, a man was assaulted while hanging up a poster, leading to minor injuries. Other incidents occurred in Zwickau, Freiberg, and Penig, where party representatives faced verbal abuse, threats, and theft of posters.
The co-chair of the Green party in Saxony, Christin Furtenbacher, denounced the attacks as undemocratic and unworthy of a respectful society. She emphasized the importance of individuals who actively participate in society and uphold democracy. These violent acts are seen as attempts to intimidate and suppress the voices of those advocating for diversity, tolerance, and freedom of speech. Despite these challenges, Furtenbacher vowed that the Green party would not be deterred and would continue their fight against extremism and in support of inclusivity and democracy.
The attacks on politicians from the Left and Green parties highlight a disturbing trend of increasing hostility and aggression towards political candidates throughout Germany. These incidents not only pose a threat to the safety of politicians but also undermine the democratic process by instilling fear and discouraging individuals from participating in politics. The rise of violence against politicians underscores the urgent need to address and combat extremism, intolerance, and the erosion of democratic values in society. It is crucial for authorities and communities to work together to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals involved in the political arena.
