The Number of Attacks on German Politicians Has Increased Over the Past 5 Years

The Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany announced that attacks causing physical harm to politicians in the country have increased. Although attacks on German politicians have occurred more frequently over the past five years, they have intensified following the terrorist attacks by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7 of last year and the war in Gaza. The attack on Matthias Eck, a member of the ruling Social Democratic Party of Germany, by several unknown individuals, and the attack on Franziska Giffey, a Berlin senator from the Social Democratic Party and former mayor of the capital, are among the recent attacks on German politicians. The German government also reported in a January report this year that attacks on German politicians have doubled since the European Parliament elections in 2019. The number of these attacks in 2023 shows a 53% increase compared to the previous year. According to registered documents, 22 politicians have been attacked so far this year, while the total number of recorded attacks in the entire previous year was 27. Michael Müller, a Social Democratic candidate in the regional elections in eastern Thuringia, told Reuters: 'These attacks create a feeling that you are not welcome here and should disappear.' Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, condemned the attacks on politicians in a message on the social media platform 'X', stating: 'The attacks on Franziska Giffey and other politicians are shocking and cowardly.' He added: 'Violence has no place in a democratic debate. Noble and mature individuals stand firmly against it, and they are in the majority.' The increase in attacks on German politicians comes as the European Parliament elections are set to take place in about five weeks, with some predictions indicating a potential victory for far-right parties. Germany has promised to combat the rising violence against politicians from various parties.