Politicians from the local area confront Home Secretary due to verbal abuse, insults, and physical assaults
In the German state of Thuringia, a concerning increase in politically motivated crimes (PMK) against local officials, representatives, and constituency offices has been reported, according to the Interior Ministry. This alarming trend, which coincides with the rise of right-wing extremist influences such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has raised significant security concerns.
In an open letter to Interior Minister Georg Maier, Green local politicians Matthias Kaiser and Felix Kalbe expressed their concerns about hate, incitement, and attacks against local representatives. The letter, taken seriously by the Thuringian Interior Ministry, also mentions a murder threat on the Erfurt Anger and unanswered police reports regarding these incidents.
The AfD, which received a large share of votes in Thuringia (nearly a third), has been classified as a right-wing extremist party by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), though this classification has recently been temporarily suspended pending a court decision. This political environment has coincided with a rise in extremist and antisemitic incidents in Eastern Germany, contributing to a deteriorating security situation for minorities and local politicians.
Given the threat level, the Interior Ministry is likely coordinating with state police forces to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering on extremist groups and individuals who incite violence or hatred against local politicians. The Thuringian police would be tasked with protecting vulnerable politicians through enhanced security details, monitoring of public events, and rapid response to threats or incidents. There is also an emphasis on preventive policing, community outreach, and cooperation with federal agencies such as the BfV to track and counter extremist activities.
Public statements from authorities and political leaders may focus on condemning hate speech and reaffirming democratic values to discourage incitement and encourage reporting of attacks. Given the increasing antisemitic and right-wing extremist violence, special measures may also include programs to support victims and awareness campaigns to counter hate crimes in the region.
The SPD's interior policy spokesperson, Dorothea Marx, has expressed outrage at the attacks on local politicians, stating it as a "minimum democratic promise" that those who volunteer to serve democracy should feel safe. Marx has refuted blame directed at her party colleague, Interior Minister Georg Maier, saying no one can seriously believe there would be no hate crime if there were a different minister.
The Green politicians accuse Maier of failing to improve the situation in Thuringia over the past eight years and call for more prevention efforts. They demand that Maier protect politically and socially active people in Thuringia and fulfill his responsibilities as Minister for Local Affairs and Chief of the Thuringian Police.
In response to the letter, the Interior Ministry has announced that it will examine whether additional preventive measures are needed in the specific cases of PMK mentioned in the letter. Security summits have been held in Thuringia, involving the Ministry of Justice, the associations of local authorities, and actors of civil society. Guidelines, information flyers, security discussions, and regular situation reports have been provided in Thuringia regarding PMK.
Despite these measures, some candidates were spat on or insulted during last year's elections, according to the letter. The letter was also sent to the media, indicating a broader call for public awareness and action against these attacks. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for authorities, political leaders, and the public to work together to combat political violence and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in democratic processes.
- In light of the concerning increase in politically motivated crimes against local officials and representatives in Thuringia, the Green local politicians Matthias Kaiser and Felix Kalbe have demanded that Interior Minister Georg Maier take more preventive measures to safeguard politically and socially active people in Thuringia.
- Amidst the rise in general-news events such as politically motivated crimes, crime-and-justice issues, and a deteriorating security situation for minorities and local politicians, the Thuringian police have been tasked with protecting vulnerable politicians, monitoring public events, and promptly responding to threats or incidents.
