Politically motivated and extremist acts of violence have been on the rise in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany for years. People who are politically active report analog and digital threats and physical attacks. In 2022, the police uncovered two attempted coups with the aim of abolishing the democratic system of the Federal Republic of Germany. Research by the Chair of International Political Studies at Witten/Herdecke University shows that extremist violence leads to more votes for nationalist, far-right parties. Against this background, we would like to discuss the following topics: How do politicians currently perceive political violence in Germany? What is the historical context of this development? Are there different public reactions to acts of violence directed against politicians, the state or civilians? What measures are appropriate to counter political violence?

The panel discussion will focus on the rise in political violence in Germany and invite political representatives from various parties and institutions. These include Nadja Lüders (SPD), Verena Schäfer (Greens) and Sven Tetzlaff (Körber Foundation).

Further information, such as the venue and other guests, will be announced soon.