Ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations by “Generation Z” this Saturday, the Police Union (GdP) is calling for increased support for officers deployed during the events. Andreas Roßkopf, the GdP chairman for federal police, told the “Rheinische Post” that political parties must now more clearly distance and separate themselves from violence.
Roßkopf emphasized the burden on law enforcement, stating, “We, as the police, are prepared for everything. We are willing to take extra shifts and sometimes put our own health at risk to ensure security across our country.”
He specifically criticized statements made by Ines Schwerdtner, the leader of the Linke party. Schwerdtner had promised young protesters during a video conference that she would stand “protectively” in front of them if they were attacked by the police or the media. Roßkopf deemed this behavior irresponsible, calling it “a slap in the face of the officers in service.”
In the union’s view, Schwerdtner’s declaration casts doubt on the police’s upholding of the rule of law, which is unacceptable. Roßkopf added that he expects other political representatives to clearly stand on the side of the police.
