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Several politicians were recently attacked in Germany. This endangers democracy, says a journalist in Berlin. The German Interior Ministry is now acting – also symbolically.
After the beating attack on SPD MEP Matthias Ecke, parties and associations have warned of an attack on democracy. In several cities such as Berlin, Potsdam and at Tatort Dresden, thousands gathered for short-term rallies on Sunday evening.
Many people feel the need to send a signal: Germany is not like that. This is what Björn Dake says. He is a correspondent in the ARD capital studio.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had already spoken out on Saturday: “Democracy is threatened by something like this,” he said. “The fact that something like this happens also has something to do with the speeches that are given and the moods that are created.”
In fact, something went wrong, says Dake. There was always violence, assassinations against politicians and even murders. But now we are experiencing attacks on election campaigners, local politicians and mayors.
Politicians could therefore ask themselves why they should carry out these political offices at all if they are threatened and insulted. “That limits the space for a political debate. Then there won’t be many candidates left who want to do politics, who want to stand up for other people. And that is a major danger for democracy in the long term,” says the journalist.
Insecurities and hatred online as triggers for violence
Many politicians in Berlin explain the increased attacks with a stressed society. The corona pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis and economic uncertainties are unsettling many people. According to Dake, this means that some of them are no longer willing to engage in political dialogue.
Added to this is hatred and agitation online. The German secret service said a few weeks ago that these were being reinforced by Russia. “The secret service spoke of disinformation, espionage and sabotage from Russia. The aim is to create social division. And you can also experience that in social networks,” explains Drake.
Online attempts are made to steer the political debate in a certain direction. “That heats up the mood even further. And some people then feel supported to use violence.”
Interior Ministry plans package of measures
Tomorrow the interior ministers will meet under the leadership of Federal Interior Minister Nancy. There is talk of a package of measures that should also include more police presence. In this way, the election campaign events should be able to be further secured in the next few weeks.
Faeser had already presented a similar package of measures in February. These measures were primarily aimed at right-wing extremism. Known measures are tied together into a new package – a symbolic act of “we are doing something”.