Scholz calls for united action against right-wing violence after attack on MEP Ecke

After the attack on Saxon MEP Matthias Ecke (SPD) in Dresden, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has called for united action against the right. The attack on Ecke was depressing, Scholz said on Saturday at a democracy congress for the upcoming European elections in Berlin. "Democracy is threatened by something like this, and that is why shrugging our shoulders is never an option," said Scholz. "We have to stand together against it."

Attacks on Green candidates and local politicians should also not be tolerated. The fact that such things happen also has something to do with the speeches that are made and the moods that are created, said Scholz, referring to the right-wing populist AfD, for example. Scholz wished Ecke the best recovery - he also spoke out in favor of a full investigation.

Ecke had been attacked while putting up posters. He was seriously injured and treated in hospital. While putting up election posters for the SPD late on Friday evening, four unidentified men attacked the 41-year-old, police said on Saturday.