Politicians are repeatedly the target of verbal and physical attacks. Many of them defend themselves against this – like the Vice Chancellor.
According to a report in the “Welt”, Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) has filed hundreds of complaints about so-called hate messages since April 2023. The more than 700 complaints were filed through the ministry and Habeck’s parliamentary office, the newspaper writes, citing information also available to the German Press Agency. Habeck is working with specialized law firms and the organization HateAid.
The messages displayed also included specific threats of violence. According to information from the “Welt”, the Vice Chancellor’s security level was increased due to the threat situation. A spokeswoman for the ministry did not confirm this when asked by the newspaper and stated that they generally do not comment on security aspects.
Habeck: Hate creates an atmosphere of fear
A spokeswoman reportedly said that the proceedings were aimed at deleting comments that were relevant to criminal law and demanding that a cease-and-desist declaration be signed and that monetary compensation be paid. Habeck would donate any payments “minus the costs incurred” – entirely to a non-profit organization, the “Welt” newspaper quoted the ministry as saying.
Habeck told the paper that hatred poisons political discourse. “It is meant to intimidate and creates an atmosphere of fear.” In a world of hate, no one addresses problems or makes suggestions. We must not allow this brutality to become the norm.
Attacks against politicians in the European election campaign
At the beginning of the year, angry farmers prevented the Vice Chancellor from leaving a ferry after he returned from a private trip to Hallig Hooge. According to the shipping company, the ship was almost stormed. The background to the protests was planned cuts in subsidies for farmers.
Other politicians have also been the target of attacks in recent months. For example, Dresden SPD politician Matthias Ecke was brutally beaten during the European election campaign in May.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
