In Berlin, a prominent politician, Franziska Giffey, was violently assaulted in a library by a man who hit her with a bag containing a hard object, causing injuries to her head and neck. Giffey, the city’s top economic official and a former mayor, was taken to the hospital for treatment. The 74-year-old suspect was known to the police, but no motive was given for the attack. The incident has raised concerns about rising political violence in Germany, with the Berlin Mayor strongly condemning the attack and emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy.
Giffey, in a statement on Instagram, emphasized the importance of opposing violence against individuals holding different opinions in a free and democratic society. Despite the attack, she expressed the need for politicians to be able to move freely in a country where they bear social and political responsibilities. The incident comes amidst a series of attacks on politicians and political parties in Germany, including a candidate from Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party who was beaten up while campaigning in Dresden, resulting in several arrests.
The political tensions in Germany have been further exacerbated by a wave of physical and verbal attacks on government and opposition party members, leading to calls for increased protection for politicians and election rallies. The German Parliament reported a total of 2,790 attacks on elected representatives in 2023, with The Greens disproportionately affected. The incidents have primarily occurred in the former communist east of the country, where Scholz’s government faces significant unpopularity. Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been accused of links to violent neo-Nazi groups and of creating an intimidating political climate, with ongoing trials involving party leaders.
Germany’s federal interior minister, Nancy Faeser, has proposed possible measures to tighten criminal law in order to punish anti-democratic acts more severely. The incidents have sparked concerns about the safety of politicians and the integrity of the democratic process in Germany. The upcoming European elections and regional elections in Saxony and other eastern German states are expected to reflect the growing political tensions in the country. As mainstream parties and politicians continue to face threats and attacks, there is a pressing need for enhanced security measures and a collective effort to combat political violence.
