Attacks Against German Politicians Surge Amid Political Tensions
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Reported verbal attacks against members of Germany's parliament nearly tripled last year. Officials recorded over 4,400 cases of public insults, defamation, and slander targeting politicians.
The figures highlight rising hostility in a politically fractured environment. They encompass threats made in person, by mail, and online.
In separate political news, opposition leader Friedrich Merz visited Israel this week. The trip was his first as head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party.
Merz aims to help repair diplomatic ties strained by the war in Gaza. Germany and Israel have historically maintained a close relationship.