After the withdrawal of the district administrator of Central Saxony due to political blockades, hatred and agitation, Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt warns of dangers to democracy. "Our democracy is not possible without those who lend a hand to keep things running," the Green politician told the German Press Agency. "We must not only value democratic commitment, we must also protect it."
And she added: "I would like to see an end to the verbal harassment that turns into digital hostility on the anonymous web and physical violence on the streets. The same should apply everywhere in Germany: Our country is a country of the decent and not of the marginalized."
District Administrator Dirk Neubauer, who is independent of the party, had announced his resignation due to threats "from the right-wing corner", among other things. He spoke of personal hostility and a lack of opportunities to assert himself. He was elected in 2022. His term of office would have run until 2029.
Göring-Eckardt praised Neubauer for his way of doing politics. "He has infected others with his idea of getting things done and his sense of what is feasible," she said. "His personal decision should be a wake-up call."
Rural areas should not become politics-free or democracy-free spaces. "In addition to greater awareness on the part of the security authorities, this also requires a cross-party stop sign and a joint call for change, more respect and decency towards one another," added the Green politician.
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