A teenager surrendered to police in Dresden following an attack on a candidate from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's party, raising concerns about intimidation and violence ahead of the European Parliament election next month. The 17-year-old, accompanied by a parent, admitted to the act but provided no further details, according to Saxony state police.
The victim, Matthias Ecke, a candidate for the Social Democrats, was assaulted by four individuals while putting up posters in Dresden. He was subsequently hospitalized and underwent surgery for his injuries. This incident has sparked calls from both government and opposition parties for increased protection for politicians and election events.
There have been reports of a surge in physical and verbal attacks against members and supporters of various political parties in recent months. Mainstream parties have accused the far-right Alternative for Germany party of having ties to violent neo-Nazi groups and fostering a climate of intimidation in the political sphere.
One of the leaders of Alternative for Germany, Bjoern Hoecke, is currently facing trial for using a banned Nazi slogan. The party, known for its anti-immigration and anti-European integration stance, is expected to make significant gains in the upcoming European polls as well as in regional elections in Saxony and two other eastern German states later this year.
