Before local elections in the east
Eastern Representative Schneider: Local politicians need protection
March 3, 2024, 10:33 a.m
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In Baden-Württemberg, the Greens’ political Ash Wednesday was canceled after protests, and in Thuringia a house belonging to an SPD politician was attacked. Reason enough for Eastern Commissioner Schneider to demand more protection for local politicians before the state elections. Because there is some fear there.
Before the local elections in early summer, Eastern Commissioner Carsten Schneider is calling for more protection for local politicians. “It cannot be the case that people give up political office because they are afraid,” said the SPD politician. “People at the information stand also need to be protected, against violence, but also against insults. This is especially true for the voluntary municipal elected officials. The police are called upon to do this, but so are all of us. If someone is insulted, civil courage is required: it doesn’t work that way .”
Recently, there was an increase in hostilities against state and local politicians in Thuringia, among others, including an arson attack on the house of a local SPD politician. Parties report difficulties finding enough candidates for local elections. In June, local parliaments, district administrators and mayors will be elected in eight federal states.
It is important that politicians are treated with respect, said Schneider. “Where it is criminally relevant, the judiciary must intervene immediately.” At the same time, he asked those interested not to be deterred. “Can I advise people to go into politics? Absolutely! You also win for your own personality and learn a lot. You can achieve something.” And he added: “I am campaigning for local people to stand for election to the local parliaments. That is where decisions are made about how we live together. This concerns us all.”
Local elections will take place on June 9th in Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Thuringia will vote on May 26th.