In the run-up to the elections, attacks on German politicians are increasing

STORY: Berlin Senator Franziska Giffey is one of the latest politicians to come under attack in Germany as the country prepares for elections in a polarizing climate.

Giffey was briefly hospitalized after a man hit her in the head in a library on Tuesday.

“I think it’s worrying. And it also shocks and worries me that we have recently been experiencing attacks of this kind with increasing frequency, with people being attacked because of their political work, because of their attitude and attitude. And that affects many, many people.”

Police said a 74-year-old suspect was arrested and was known to police for, among other things, hate crimes.

They said the suspect probably had mental health issues.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the act on social media as “cowardly”.

The attack on Giffey coincided with an emergency meeting of state ministers.

They are calling for greater police protection for politicians as the number of verbal and physical attacks increases sharply in the run-up to the European and local elections.

Government data shows that the number of attacks on politicians in Germany has doubled since the 2019 European elections.

Separately, on the same day as Giffey’s attack, two people were arrested in Dresden for pushing and spitting on a Green Party member who was putting up campaign posters.

They had previously been heard shouting Hitler salutes as they were near a group of people, police said.

The incidents occur days after Matthias Ecke was kicked and beaten – including while putting up posters.

The Scholz Social Democrat had to undergo surgery.

On social media, he thanked his supporters for their good wishes and wrote: (Quote) “… this is not just about me, but about everyone who is passionate about politics.” Nobody in a democracy should be afraid to express one’s opinion.”

Mainstream politicians blame the rising political violence on the resurgence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which could win three state polls this year.

An AfD leader said attempts to use the attack on Ecke for political purposes were (quote) “vile and irresponsible,” adding that AfD politicians and members were frequently attacked.

The German interior minister said she would consider tightening the law against political attacks.