The Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag supports the proposal put forward by the conference of state justice ministers to simplify the special protections afforded to politicians against insults. Martin Plum, the Union’s legal advisor, told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that the justice ministers’ conference is heading in the right direction, arguing that “we do not need special criminal laws for top-level politicians.” He stressed that Paragraph 188 of the Criminal Code must not remain as it currently is, and that the same rules regarding insults must apply to citizens and high-ranking politicians.
Plum also noted that it is positive that the SPD is increasingly aligning with this perspective, confirming that the Union is prepared to advocate for a timely reform of Paragraph 188.
However, he also acknowledged the increasing coarseness in public life, stating that everyone must be better protected from hatred and hostility. He emphasized that, above all, local politicians require effective protection against intimidation and personal attacks. Following the wishes of the justice ministers’ conference, the special protection against insults is intended to apply exclusively to municipal officials and mandate holders in the future, excluding top-tier politicians. The Bundestag is responsible for enacting this change.
