Politicians in Germany, including Franziska Giffey, have been assaulted in a series of politically motivated attacks, increasing concerns over safety and the stability of democratic processes ahead of the EU elections.
Franziska Giffey, a prominent politician in Berlin and a member of the Social Democrats, was assaulted at a library event, experiencing head and neck injuries. The attacker hit her with a bag containing a hard object. This incident is part of a concerning trend of political violence in Germany, which has seen an increase since the 2019 European parliament elections. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the attack, underscoring the threat such actions pose to democracy.
Similarly, Matthias Ecke, a Social Democrat MEP, was attacked in Dresden by four teenagers while setting up campaign posters, resulting in severe facial injuries. The motive is unclear, though intoxication was noted among the assailants. The attack prompted large demonstrations in cities like Dresden and Berlin, calling for enhanced security for public figures and stricter penalties for such violence.
These incidents have escalated fears over the safety of politicians ahead of the upcoming EU elections in June. Discussions have intensified about possible measures, including strengthening criminal laws against anti-democratic acts, to safeguard elected officials and uphold democratic values amidst rising far-right extremism.
In a separate societal issue, Germans are facing rising costs of doner kebabs due to increased labor and energy expenses. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the far-left Die Linke party have been involved in public discussions about possible interventions to keep this staple food affordable, including proposals for price caps and subsidies, reflecting the broader economic pressures within the country.
