In Berlin, the SPD-Wirtschaftssenatorin Franziska Giffey was attacked by a man who hit her on the head and neck with a bag filled with a hard substance. She was briefly hospitalized for treatment of head and neck pain. The attacker fled the scene, and the police did not initially provide information on his arrest or motive for the attack. Berlin’s Innensenatorin Iris Spranger expressed shock and condemned the attack on her party colleague.
The attack on Giffey is part of a series of incidents targeting politicians in Germany. In Dresden, a 47-year-old Green Party politician was attacked by two individuals while hanging up campaign posters. The attackers, a 24-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, were apprehended by the police. The man pushed the politician, tore down posters, and threatened and insulted her, while the woman spat on her. Both suspects were investigated for assault, threats, insults, and property damage, as well as for using symbols of unconstitutional organizations.
Prior to this incident, the SPD’s lead candidate for the European elections in Saxony, Matthias Ecke, was assaulted by four young men while putting up campaign posters. The attackers are believed to have connections to the far-right. These attacks have sparked nationwide outrage but also led to a wave of solidarity. Following these incidents, the Federal and State Interior Ministers convened for a special meeting to discuss improving the protection of politicians and campaigners, and proposed tightening criminal laws to address these attacks.
The attacks on politicians in Germany have raised concerns about the safety and security of public officials, particularly during election campaigns. The incidents in Berlin and Dresden highlight the risks faced by politicians in carrying out their duties and engaging with the public. The political climate in Germany has become increasingly tense, with rising incidents of violence and threats targeting politicians from various parties.
As investigations into these attacks continue, authorities are working to ensure the safety of politicians and candidates, while also addressing the root causes of such violence. The attacks on Giffey and the Green Party politician in Dresden are seen as a threat to democracy and require a concerted effort to protect the democratic process and the individuals involved in it. The incidents have underscored the need for enhanced security measures and a united front against violence targeting politicians in Germany.
