Firefighters' Association President Stefan Meuter advocates for a judiciary that prioritizes enforcing current regulations, stating they do not require new legislation.
In recent times, there has been a notable increase in violence against emergency services, police, and politicians in Germany. Around 53% of the population perceives it as a very big problem, according to a 2024 survey [2].
The reasons behind this increase are complex and multifaceted. Social crises and personal challenges are believed to contribute to a growing willingness to use violence, as noted by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs in the context of domestic violence, which often overlaps with violence against emergency responders [1].
Extremist violence from far-left, far-right, and Islamist groups has resurged in recent years in Germany, with some terrorist acts directly targeting police and emergency personnel [4]. A rise in domestic violence also adds pressure and increases risks for emergency services, as Germany recorded a record number of domestic violence victims (around 257,000 cases in 2024) [1][3].
The number of antisemitic crimes, some violent, increased sharply in early 2025, mostly attributed to right-wing extremism, illustrating a climate of politically motivated aggression that emergency services must also manage [5].
Authorities are responding to this trend with various measures. They are increasing calls for improved protective measures and legal regulations for offenders, such as expanded use of ankle bracelets for domestic violence offenders (already in use regionally), which could indirectly reduce pressure on emergency services [1]. Federal agencies like the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) actively monitor extremist threats and violent crimes targeting public servants [4][5].
Public awareness and surveys highlight the problem's recognition, prompting political and police focus on de-escalation training and improved support systems for affected workers [2].
Recent incidents include physical attacks on ambulance crews and emergency services being pelted with pyrotechnics in several cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The fire departments in North Rhine-Westphalia called for tough action against such attacks three days before New Year's Eve last year [6].
However, the development of dismissing many cases of violence against emergency services causes concern. In a case in Rhein-Kreis Neuss, the defendant was acquitted as the fire department could not prove intent to drive through a barrier and injure a firefighter [7]. The offense of insult was time-barred due to the processing time by the court in this case.
There is a need for a justice system that takes cases of violence against emergency services seriously. Currently, statistics on the results of proceedings regarding violence against emergency services are not kept [8]. There is also a lack of public interest or classification of many cases as minor offenses, making it difficult for emergency services to file complaints [8].
The outcry in the state parliament after cases of violence against emergency services on New Year's Eve was great. Judges should hand down verdicts that fully exploit the legal possibilities for investigation and punishment of perpetrators. Rigorous and quick punishment of violence against emergency services is required [9].
In a reference to the concerns about the handling of cases of violence against emergency services, Grisu, the little dragon, was mentioned. The sentence "There are more important things at the moment" is a concern due to its impact on the handling of cases of violence against emergency services [10].
A cartoon in a daily newspaper at the beginning of this year depicted two children expressing disdain for the job of a firefighter due to perceived dangers, poor pay, and potential attacks by hooligans [11]. These images reflect a broader societal attitude that needs to change to ensure the safety and respect for emergency services personnel.
In conclusion, the rise in violence against emergency services in Germany is a serious concern that requires a comprehensive response from authorities, the justice system, and society as a whole. Awareness, training, and legal measures are essential to protect these workers and mitigate the risks they face.
The complex factors driving the increase in violence against emergency services, politicians, and general public servants in Germany extend to social crises, personal challenges, and extremist activities from various groups, including far-left, far-right, and Islamist organizations. Additionally, a lack of appropriate responses from the justice system and societal apathy towards cases of violence against emergency services hampers efforts to address this issue effectively.
