German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz has called for united action against the far-right after a leading MEP canidate from his party was attacked in the street by members of the far-right in Dresden, Germany.
"This is a threat to democracy," he stated at a conference on Saturday. MEP candidate for the German social democrats Matthias Ecke was assaulted while putting up posters.
A group of three or four verbally attacked the MEP and his team with homophobic slurs, Deutsche Welle reports. After being physicaly attacked, Ecke sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital. The party have since said that the politician will need to undergo surgery for his injuries.
Scholz acknowledged the assault against Ecke was distressing at a conference in Berlin addressing democracy ahead of the forthcoming European elections.
"This unlawful intimidation poses a threat to our democracy, and thus, complacency is never an option," the Chancellor declared. "We must collectively resist this."
"Such occurrences are linked to the violent rhetoric propagated and the atmospheres intensified," Scholz explained, making reference to parties such as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Conveying his wish for Ecke’s prompt recovery, Scholz also advocated for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Shortly before the incident, a 28-year-old Green Party (Grünen) worker had also been kicked and beaten up while putting up posters. Authorities suspect the same group is responsible for both attacks.
