In recent times, politicians and election workers have increasingly faced politically motivated violence, raising urgent concerns over their safety. In Saxony alone, an alarming 897 cases of such crimes were reported, including 14 violent incidents. Notably, CDU politician Adeline Abimnwi Awemo suffered a racist attack while engaging in her electoral duties. Similarly, Thuringia experienced the vandalism of 1,675 election posters, and a severe assault occurred in Dresden against SPD European politician Ecke.
Sociologist Viktoria Kamuf emphasizes that these acts often carry a deeper message, highlighting the troubling trend of political polarization. In response, there are proposals to amend electoral regulations and extend information protections to safeguard politicians more effectively. Green politician Misbah Khan advocates for a particular focus on improving safety measures in rural areas, which are often overlooked.
The violence has not only affected prominent figures but also local politicians, as evidenced by an AfD politician in Mannheim who was injured while removing posters. Following her attack, Awemo has opted to coordinate her public engagements with law enforcement, a decision that underscores the heightened sense of vulnerability among political figures.
The situation is compounded by the reluctance of many municipal politicians to report assaults, even as the frequency of such incidents rises. The calls for a more robust response from authorities signal a pressing need for action to deter violence and ensure the safety of those serving in public office.
