Saxony wants to better protect its officials and elected representatives from attacks. Unfortunately, threats and intimidation are becoming increasingly common, particularly in local authorities, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice announced on Monday following a "security summit" with security authorities and local authority associations in Dresden. "Democracy needs security. Intimidation or threats against municipal officials and elected representatives are therefore sawing at the foundations of our democracy," emphasized Justice Minister Katja Meier (Greens). We will not allow "violence and intimidation to silence local democratic voices". In addition to good and effective support from the security authorities on the ground, concrete criminal law reforms must also be considered.
According to Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU), the increase in threats has now reached a worrying level. "Anyone who tries to instil fear in public officials and elected representatives, who often work for our democracy and our state on a voluntary basis, who seeks them out in their private surroundings, who does not even stop at their families and especially their children, must experience the consistent response of the rule of law." Saxony will not stand idly by in the face of this development and will continue to strengthen the security of local politicians. This includes personal and property protection as well as raising awareness of this issue locally and providing advice to those affected.
