Berlin. Resist the beginnings? The debate about the survival of our democracy began a long time ago. What does this mean for all of us.
The European elections are still five weeks away. The election campaign has now come into focus for the first time due to a depressing occasion. In recent days, there have been increasing reports of incidents in which politicians have been harassed, insulted, threatened and even physically attacked during public appearances. The sad low point now is the attack on him SPD-European politician Song Matiaswhom several attackers beat so badly in the streets of Dresden, that he was admitted to hospital with bone fractures in his face.
What else comes next? The actions of recent days are not isolated cases. They’re not even there Election campaign to explain when an argument has always been dull and political debate has been cruder in its choice of words. They are an expression of profound and undesirable developments in our society.
Read too:Attack on Matthias Ecke: SPD activists are horrified
Attack on Matthias Ecke: some remember Weimar
The year began with a mob attacking the Green Party politician Roberto Habeck prevented from leaving a ferry after a private trip. Since then, numerous examples can be found where politicians have been met with hatred, incitement and worse. The trend has been known in recent years. Not just thinking about it European elections in June, but also before the three state elections in Thuringia, Saxony and Brandenburg in September, we have to fear that the attack on Matthias Ecke was not the final point.
In the face of this heated atmosphere, some now feel that the last few years Weimar Republic remembered that extremists not only expelled Democrats from parliament, but also hunted them in the streets. You don’t have to fully share this grim analysis. But: we have already missed the point where, out of concern for our democracy must shout loudly “Defend the beginnings”. We are in the middle of the debate about our coexistence.
Young man turns himself in after attack on SPD politician
The state cannot protect politicians in the villages
O AfD and another Right-wing extremists created a climate of fear in some areas. Politically active people here are now considering whether they still dare to work for the general public, either professionally or on a voluntary basis. This is particularly devastating for the lowest levels of politics. When Democrats feel defenseless, it’s a victory for their enemies.
It is therefore right that federal and state governments discuss how they can defend our common good against those who despise democracy, against dividers and bandits, using the harsh means of the constitutional State. O police it must protect politicians so that they can appear in public without hesitation. But the State will not be able to support the volunteer mayor or the many committed activists in the small towns and villages on every corner. They don’t drive away in the company car after being insulted. They live at the end of the street.
Chief reporter Jan Dörner.
© Reto Klar | Clear
Threat to democracy: the shrugging must stop
This is why the shrugging has to stop. Anyone who attacks and intimidates politicians threatens not just individuals, but all of us. It is important to contradict: in social media, where some people express their frustration and hatred without control and impunity, at parents’ evening or on the football pitch. Democracy also depends on compromise. Of peaceful coexistence. About respect for other opinions. And active Democrats.