Extremism and disillusionment fueling increase in political violence in EU

The recent surge in political violence across Europe has raised concerns among analysts at the European Policy Centre, who attribute the uptick to the general political climate and the upcoming European elections.

One of the most alarming incidents was the shooting of Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, marking the first attempt on the life of a European head of state since 2003. This act of violence underscores the growing polarization and discontent spreading across the continent.

Eric Maurice, a researcher at the European Policy Centre, highlighted the various factors contributing to the rise in political violence. He pointed to the increasing influence of extreme and radical forces on both the right and left, coupled with a rise in verbal attacks and ad hominem insults in political discourse. This radicalization and polarization of society have made it challenging to engage in constructive debates with political opponents.

In Germany, there have been 22 reported attacks since the beginning of the year, including an assault on Social Democrat Member of the European Parliament Matthias Ecke. The recent attack on Olaf Scholz’s party candidate for Chancellor in Dresden further highlights the growing threat to politicians and their supporters.

The escalating violence has prompted calls for greater protection for politicians and election rallies. German police statistics show a nearly doubled number of incidents targeting elected representatives in the past five years, while France has also witnessed a significant increase in complaints of violence.

Maurice emphasized the role of social conditions in fostering a hostile atmosphere, noting that distrust in authorities and feelings of vulnerability contribute to the susceptibility of individuals to disinformation and conspiracy theories. The fear of becoming a target of violence may deter citizens from engaging in politics or seeking re-election, further exacerbating the problem.