Local politicians — insulted, threatened, and attacked | DW News

Summary

The transcript describes a series of attacks on local politicians in Germany, highlighting the increasing threats they face. M Miller, a Social Democrat politician, narrowly escaped an incendiary attack on his home, which he believes is linked to his call for a demonstration against right-wing extremism. The script also mentions other incidents, including physical attacks and assassinations of local officials. It emphasizes the fear and potential withdrawal from public service this creates, threatening democracy at the local level. The need for a nationwide contact point for threatened politicians is discussed, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence, including the aggressive political discourse.

Takeaways

• 🔥 An incendiary device was used against the home of M Miller, a local Social Democrat politician, escalating from his car to his front door.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 M Miller was not home during the attack, but guests with two children were present, indicating potential harm to innocents.
• 🚨 The incident is being treated as an attempted murder, highlighting the severity of the threat.
• 🔍 A special commission is investigating the attack, which occurred shortly after M Miller called for a demonstration against rightwing extremism.
• 🤔 M Miller suspects a connection between the attack and other incidents of vandalism against SPD politicians' offices.
• 🏛️ Local politicians in Germany face significant threats, with many experiencing insults, threats, or physical attacks.
• 🏆 Mayors in Germany have considered retiring due to safety concerns, which could lead to fewer people participating in local government.
• 🗣️ The political atmosphere in Germany has become increasingly hostile, with local politicians feeling the need to withdraw from politics.
• 📣 There is a call for more involvement in local politics without fear, as well as a need for a nationwide contact point for threatened local politicians.
• 📝 Many local politicians do not file complaints due to past experiences of no meaningful response or action.
• 🌐 The establishment of a contact point aims to provide support and guidance for those affected by threats.

Q & A

What happened at the home of M Miller, the local Social Democrat politician?

Incendiary devices were used to target M Miller's home, first at his car and then at his front door. The entrance of the house was set on fire, and a tire was placed under the fuel tank of the car.

Was anyone at home during the attack on M Miller's residence?

M Miller was not at home during the attack, but he had guests, a family with two children, and an expert who was there to inspect the entrance.

What category does the attack on M Miller's home fall under?

The attack is considered an attempted murder, as someone was supposed to be killed.

What event did M Miller call for a few days before the attack?

M Miller called for a demonstration against right-wing extremism in his hometown of Vas Hous in Turingia.

What other incidents involving politicians occurred on the same night as the attack on M Miller's office windows?

On the same night, the office windows of three SPD politicians in Thia were smashed.

What concerns do local politicians like M Miller have regarding their safety?

Local politicians are concerned about the increasing threats, insults, and physical attacks, which may lead to fewer people willing to serve in local government due to fear.

What happened to the Mayor of Cologne in 2015?

The Mayor of Cologne narrowly escaped death when a right-wing extremist stepped on her neck one day before the election.

What was the worst incident involving a German politician in 2019?

In 2019, the worst incident was the murder of the District President V Lupka by a right-wing extremist.

What percentage of Germany's Mayors have considered retiring due to safety concerns?

19% of Mayors have considered retiring from politics out of concern for their own safety or that of their families.

What initiative is being taken to support threatened local politicians in Germany?

A nationwide contact point for threatened local politicians is being prepared, starting in the summer of 2024, to provide support and guidance.

Why is it important for local politicians to file complaints about threats they receive?

Filing complaints is important to get a more accurate picture of the threat situation and to ensure a meaningful response or action is taken.

How does the aggressive political atmosphere affect local democracy, according to the mayor of Tosen?

If local politicians reach a point where they cancel events or feel like they're being followed by a mob, they can no longer freely communicate their opinions in public, which means democracy doesn't work anymore.