Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig of the SPD expressed doubt about §188 of the German Penal Code, which imposes harsher penalties for insulting politicians than for other harassment. She told the online portal T‑Online that the extension of the provision in 2021 was a “direct reaction” to the murder of Walter Lübcke, but emphasized that lawmakers must continually question whether the measure achieves its goal or needs adjustment.
Hubig said the number of convictions based on §188 has risen sharply. In 2024 alone, “well over 300 cases” were reported; her statement did not distinguish between national or local politicians. She noted that public debate focuses mainly on borderline cases that are difficult to understand from afar. Despite these controversies, Hubig stressed that the rule of law functions properly and allows such decisions to be corrected.
In her own career, Hubig claims she has never used §188 to press charges. Since becoming Justice Minister, she has not filed a complaint, and during her tenure as Education Minister of Rhineland‑Palatinate-when the COVID‑19 pandemic fell under her purview-she filed a single complaint. “You can imagine I must have received a lot back” she said.
