The European Social Democratic Party (SPD) has launched the hot phase of its election campaign, with key figures from European social democracy gathering in Berlin-Moabit to convey the central message of the party family for the upcoming election on June 9th. The focus of the campaign is against a shift to the right and against extreme right.
The recent attack on SPD European politician Matthias Ecke in Dresden has brought the threat of democracy from the far right into sharp focus. Kevin Kühnert, visibly shaken, shared the news that Ecke sustained fractures in his face and will need an operation. Kühnert expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks on campaign workers in recent weeks.
The incident in Dresden has added urgency to the meeting in Berlin, with a collective determination to stand against right-wing extremist parties that currently hold seats in European parliaments and governments. The SPD views these parties as a threat to the European project, citing their restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms.
In response to the rise of right-wing extremism, the European Social Democrats have issued a “Berlin Declaration of Democracy.” The SPD has firmly rejected the possibility of forming coalitions with right-wing extremist parties in the European Parliament. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of standing united against such threats to democracy.
The attack in Dresden underscored the need for a strong stance against right-wing extremism. SPD leader Saskia Esken expressed shock at the incident and offered support to Matthias Ecke. The party is committed to maintaining a solid firewall against extremist ideologies and ensuring the protection of democratic values.