Association worried about local politicians after attacks

The Chief Executive of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, André Berghegger, has expressed his concern about violence against politicians and election workers, particularly with regard to upcoming local elections. This year, in addition to the European elections and three state elections, there will also be local elections in nine federal states, he said. "In 2024, more than 110,000 seats will be newly elected in around 6,000 cities and municipalities," he told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND/Monday). The events of the past few days were therefore a cause for great concern.

Multiple attacks on politicians and election workers had sparked nationwide outrage in recent days. Dresden SPD European politician Matthias Ecke was attacked on Friday evening to such an extent that he had to be operated on in hospital. The attacks were "appalling and inexcusable", said Berghegger. He described such attacks as "direct attacks against democracy". Local politicians in particular are easily accessible for insults, agitation, hatred or even physical attacks, he added.

The local representative demanded that political engagement must be effectively protected and criminal offenses must be consistently prosecuted. However, he also believes that society has a role to play: "Now is the time for all citizens to stand up for our democracy and our constitution, to establish a culture of respect and to show their solidarity with those involved in democracy on the ground."