‘We agree on code words when distributing flyers’

• Chiem Balduk

  Germany correspondent

A German politician on campaign is used to something. Averted looks when you offer a flyer, grunting or even cursing. But since the brutal assault of SPD politician Matthias Ecke, campaign teams have been extra alert. The German government is working on more measures.

SPD member Frederic Augustin (26) – “just say Freddy” – is posting a flyer with a volunteer in a busy shopping street in the Gesundbrunnen district of Berlin. Left-wing parties such as the SPD have a large support base, but he is also wary. “I am really shocked by the attack on Matthias Ecke, he is such a nice man,” says Augustin, who, together with Ecke, is on the SPD candidate list for the European elections.

He is also wary of violence against politicians. “I never fly alone, but always together with someone else. We also agree on code words. If a conversation with a voter is unpleasant, for example, I ask my colleague for water. He then knows that the situation is getting out of hand.”

He’s not afraid. His parents are especially concerned: “I called them immediately after the attack on Matthias Ecke and explained that I am proceeding cautiously.”

The attack on Matthias Ecke has not only caused a shock wave among colleagues like Augustin. The MEP was hospitalized by four 17 and 18-year-olds on Friday evening while hanging posters in Dresden. The SPD member suffered several broken bones. Shortly before, the same group had probably attacked a campaign employee of the Greens.

The four suspects have now been identified. The investigation into their motive is still ongoing, but police say at least one of them is on “the right-wing spectrum”. Shortly after the attack, the SPD in Saxony pointed to the right-wing radical AfD, which is said to have sown “seeds of hatred”.

According to Federal Minister Faeser of the Interior (also from the SPD), there is a “new dimension of anti-democratic violence”. Today she spoke with all responsible state ministers about measures to better protect politicians.

An increased police presence at campaign activities is being considered. Violence against politicians could also be punished more severely.

The ministers speak strong language, but they cannot actually do much. It is an impossible job to protect every local politician in a campaign. Moreover, it involves a very large number of volunteers: Germans are avid flyerers and poster stickers. They like to overload each other with the amount of billboards and posters.

Freddy Augustin also does not expect major measures immediately. “Germany has almost 11,000 municipalities, and 80 million people live there. You cannot possibly protect everyone who is politically active. The police have no capacity for that.”

According to him, the solution lies more in politics itself. The political debate has become harsher due to the rise of the extreme right, he says. “The extreme right completely despises anyone who is involved in politics. While we are just people, and often volunteers, who enter politics because we believe in something.” He hopes that people will be more aware of the influence that harsh language about politicians has on their supporters.

The abused politician Matthias Ecke made himself heard from the hospital yesterday. With a selfie with a black eye, he wrote that he was grateful for all the support. “But it’s not just about me. It’s about the fact that no one should be afraid to express their opinion in a democracy.”

Ecke hopes to be able to resume his campaign soon. Augustin also does not want to be silenced. “Because that’s exactly what they want,” he says combatively. “I’m just going to hand out more flyers!”