Berlin: In the wake of a tumultuous EU election campaign marked by acts of violence, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted on Saturday the paramount importance of safeguarding freedom of speech, affirming his commitment to combat any threats to this fundamental right.
Addressing attendees at his party’s final campaign rally for the European Parliament election, Scholz highlighted the recent tragedy involving the killing of a police officer by an Afghan man during an anti-Islam rally—an incident that sent shockwaves across Germany. Despite the gravity of the situation, Scholz emphasized the imperative of upholding democratic values in the face of adversity.
While Scholz has pledged to strengthen deportation regulations in response to the incident, analysts speculate that such events may inadvertently bolster support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which advocates for stricter immigration policies. However, Scholz underscored the need to recognize that migrants also fall victim to violence perpetrated by right-wing extremists, highlighting the broader issue of escalating political violence.
According to statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office, there have been 22 assaults on politicians resulting in physical harm so far this year, compared to 27 incidents recorded in the entirety of 2023. In response, Scholz reaffirmed his government’s commitment to taking decisive action against those who seek to undermine freedom through violence or intimidation.
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“We will take action against all those who threaten this freedom, who perpetrate violence, who make spaces small,” Scholz declared during the event hosted by his party, the Social Democrats (SPD), in the city of Duisburg.
Reports of rising attacks against politicians and confrontational campaigning tactics have deterred some candidates and canvassers from engaging with voters directly in the lead-up to the election. However, Scholz remained resolute in his stance, asserting that such behavior would not be tolerated.
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“It will not be accepted by us, and we will utilize all legal avenues available to law enforcement to combat those who seek to restrict our freedom,” Scholz affirmed.
With populist sentiments gaining traction across the political spectrum, the upcoming election in Germany is poised to reflect the growing influence of populist parties. While the AfD competes closely with the SPD and Greens for second place in the latest polls, the leftist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is anticipated to secure approximately 7% of the vote in its inaugural major electoral test.
