Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster, a member of the CDU party, has announced plans to strengthen collaboration between police and election helpers in order to prevent serious attacks like the recent one in Dresden. He also proposed amendments to the penal code. The state cabinet is set to make a decision on a federal council initiative for tougher penalties for attacks on politicians and election helpers. Schuster emphasized the need for a new criminal offense in the penal code for the threat of office holders, elected representatives, and volunteers, as the current legal framework is insufficient. He called on the Federal Minister of Justice, Marco Buschmann, to support this initiative.
The decision by the Saxony cabinet is expected to come before the special conference of interior ministers from federal and state governments, scheduled for Tuesday evening. The meeting comes in response to the brutal attack on Saxony’s SPD European politician, Matthias Ecke, which was carried out by four young men aged between 17 and 18. Ecke was attacked while putting up election posters for his party and had to undergo surgery as a result. The suspects involved in the attack have been identified, with at least one being linked to the right-wing spectrum. The incident sparked shock and outrage nationwide.
In addition to proposing new legislation, Minister Schuster also announced plans to establish a communication channel within the Saxony Interior Ministry where spontaneous actions can be reported. Volunteer workers often go out on activities without prior notice, making it difficult for police to provide protection. By building closer relationships with election helpers, the authorities aim to enhance safety measures. Schuster emphasized the concept of “room coverage” and stressed the importance of reporting incidents promptly. The availability of a rapid response team at the State Criminal Police Office was also highlighted, with Schuster urging the public to use the emergency hotline number, 110, to report any suspicious activity.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to streamline communication and coordination between law enforcement and political parties for planned campaign activities. A designated contact point has been established within the State Criminal Police Office specifically for this purpose, allowing police to prepare accordingly. The CDU politician emphasized the importance of timely intervention and encouraged individuals to report any concerns promptly. By implementing these measures, Schuster aims to provide better protection for politicians and volunteers while enhancing overall security measures during election campaigns. The recent attack on Matthias Ecke underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to violent incidents targeting public figures.
