The arson attack on the vehicle of Bernd Baumann, parliamentary director of the AfD parliamentary group, has drawn condemnation from Hesse’s Interior Minister, Roman Poseck (CDU). Poseck denounced the act as a “serious injustice” that has no place in a democratic society, emphasizing the imperative for law enforcement to pursue the perpetrators with utmost rigor.
While acknowledging his personal and political opposition to the AfD – which he deems a threat to German democracy – Poseck firmly rejected the notion that disagreement justifies violence. He stressed that democratic processes, not aggression, are the appropriate channels for political dissent. The Minister also highlighted the escalating concern surrounding left-wing extremism, characterizing it as “a major threat to our security”. He noted a visible increase in left-wing criminal activity within Hesse, pointing to worrying connections emerging between radical elements within the pro-Palestinian movement, climate activism groups and extremist networks. This extremism, he added, is frequently underpinned by antisemitism.
Poseck expressed a belief that the dangers posed by left-wing extremism have been downplayed recently, criticizing what he perceived as a “false tolerance” toward such groups within portions of the political spectrum to the left of the center. Regarding potential bans on organizations like Antifa, he deferred the decision to the judiciary, emphasizing the stringent legal requirements for designating groups as terrorist organizations. He underscored the importance of proactive measures by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, referencing a comprehensive report documenting left-wing extremism within Hesse.
Attention is particularly focused on the upcoming founding congress of the AfD’s new youth organization in Gießen, where local left-wing extremists have reportedly voiced calls for violence. Poseck assured heightened police presence to safeguard the rights of attendees. While acknowledging the legitimacy of political opposition to the organization’s formation, he reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on acts of violence. The situation demonstrates a broader tension within German society-a concern over escalating extremism on both the left and right, demanding a delicate balance between safeguarding democratic rights and maintaining public order.
