Commission has yet to finalize a proposal for a worker radiation safety directive, regarding occupational ionising radiation risks.
In the midst of the European election campaign in 2023, Germany has witnessed an alarming increase in violence against politicians and their facilities, with a total of 2,790 attacks reported nationwide. This escalation has prompted a call for action from political leaders, community organisations, and law enforcement agencies to address and prevent such incidents.
## Addressing and Preventing Violence
### 1. Legal and Surveillance Measures
To combat this rise in political violence, Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, has been authorised to employ more surveillance measures following the designation of certain political parties as extremist. This includes recruiting informants and intercepting communications, which can help monitor and prevent potential acts of violence. Furthermore, ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences can serve as a deterrent for future attacks.
### 2. Social and Community Initiatives
Education and awareness programs, such as "Schule ohne Rassismus" (School without Racism), aim to foster a culture of equality and respect, potentially reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies. Organisations like Kein Bock auf Nazis and the Zentrum für politische Schönheit work tirelessly to counter far-right influence and promote democratic values.
### 3. Political and Community Engagement
Promoting tolerance and dialogue, both within political parties and across society, can help reduce political polarization and the associated violence. Politicians play a crucial role in this regard, by condemning violence and fostering an environment of respect and civility. Cross-party demonstrations in support of democracy have also been organised to show unity against intimidation and violence.
### 4. Security Measures
Enhanced physical protection for politicians, especially during campaign events, can prevent attacks. Encouraging the public to report suspicious activities can help prevent violent incidents.
### 5. International Cooperation
A coordinated European response to address the rising trend of political violence can help share best practices and strategies across countries. This cooperation can serve as a powerful tool in the fight against extremism and violence.
The tragic murder of Kassel government president Walter Lübcke (CDU) in 2019 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of political violence. In response, Hermann Gröhe, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has emphasised that extremists, regardless of their political leanings, do not represent the silent majority. Gröhe has expressed confidence in the resilience of democracy and urged unity against intimidation and violence.
In 2023, the number of attacks has increased from 1,420 cases reported in 2019. However, with the implementation of these strategies, Germany can effectively address and prevent the rising violence against politicians during election campaigns.
During the European election campaign in 2023, it's crucial for Germany to utilize free time effectively to address the escalating war-and-conflicts of political violence. This can be achieved by focusing on policy-and-legislation, such as employing surveillance measures by the BfV and ensuring appropriate legal consequences for perpetrators. Moreover, engaging in general-news discussions and remaining informed about the violent incidents can help foster a sense of unity and political responsibility among citizens, potentially preventing further attacks.
