Rutte expresses concern about threats to elected officials

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has expressed his concern about the increasing aggression towards elected representatives. Almost half of all elected representatives in local authorities face threats, even of a physical nature, he said on Wednesday at a local political forum at the University of Leipzig. "Unfortunately, this trend can also be clearly observed in the Netherlands. That is worrying. First of all, of course, for those who are personally affected and their personal environment." But it is also worrying for society as a whole. It is often "normal people" who threaten elected officials.

According to Rutte, it is important to stand up for a free and open society that is characterized by tolerance and respect for others. This year, more people around the world will vote in elections than ever before in history. "This is the hour of testing for democracy. So let's make sure that no one is left behind by looking around again and again to see if everyone is coming along. Because if we don't, others will. A defensive democracy is not a sure-fire success. Everyone has to play their part, we politicians most of all."

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) and the Saxon Association of Towns and Municipalities had invited people to the forum under the motto "Strong Municipalities in Europe".