Rising political violence looms over European elections

Organized crime favors the proliferation of a dehumanizing climate while increasing disillusionment among the population

May 26. () –

The assassination attempt against the Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has set off all the alarms in the member countries of the European Union, witnesses for several years of an increase in political violence and a growing polarization that could favor the political parties. of the extreme right in electoral contexts.

Added to this assassination attempt, which represents a turning point for European politics, are dozens of attacks and threats against politicians and heads of government. This increase in violence, which has worsened just a few weeks before the European elections, occurs in an atmosphere of tension and tension regarding the possible actions of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and his influence beyond of Ukrainian territory.

The situation, which could lead to an even more polarized scenario, makes it difficult for European politicians to participate in electoral processes, a trend that endangers democratic values ​​and is now affecting German politics, where several attacks of this type.

Faced with an increasingly dehumanizing climate, the European Union advocates replacing weapons with words in an attempt to alleviate recent cases of intimidation and threats made against senior officials in countries such as Poland or Belgium.

However, the figures are alarming: during 2023, some 2,500 attacks were recorded against members of local governments in 94 countries around the world. Among those attacked are governors, mayors and councilors, among others, who have been exposed to the threat or use of violence against them. The figure reaches 215 incidents only in the countries of the community bloc.

Electoral cycles have thus become a decisive variable in the history of attacks, often promoted by political rivals and candidates, who seek to influence the electoral result at all costs.

“I believe there are a number of reasons behind the increase in violence against politicians in the EU. One of these elements is polarization, which has been exacerbated since the pandemic and has left many of these politicians exposed to acts of violence by part of individual citizens or organized groups,” the head of Analysis of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), Andrea Carboni, explained in statements to Europa Press.

In this sense, he has warned that research and surveys carried out in the area show “growing polarization as an emerging feature of European politics, especially now that violence and aggression are no longer destined for ostracism.”

Another element, Carboni noted, is the “growing frustration with politics in general, which is now seen as ineffective or directly harmful to the interests of citizens.” “We have recorded several events of violent protesters or group attacks against politicians for poor management of public affairs,” he declared before pointing to countries such as France and Greece, where some politicians have suffered attacks and intimidation after receiving widespread criticism for their poor crisis management.

Carboni has also highlighted the importance of organized crime in this type of case: “These organizations are often responsible for acts of violence in areas such as southern Italy, which is a hotbed of attacks against local politicians.” “This also happens in other States such as Belgium or the Netherlands, where politicians and judges suffer a greater number of threats,” he maintained.

The organization has recorded at least 33 incidents of this type in 2024, a situation that it has described as “unacceptable”, especially in countries like Italy, where politicians receive threats practically daily for doing their work.

VIOLENCE IN THE STREETS

Despite the 73 percent increase in violence, the change has been largely affected by violence stemming from protests in countries such as France, where thousands of people demonstrated last year against pension reform and death of Nahel Merzouk at the hands of the Police.

Throughout 2023, France recorded 127 acts of aggression and intimidation against local politicians – compared to just ten cases in 2022 – while in Italy this figure rose to 62, according to ACLED data, which focuses in violent acts and exclude threats and insults.

The case of Germany, for its part, is “interesting” given that although it has recorded few attacks of this type, the incidents are usually linked to the polarization of political parties. “Just this year, the car of the mother of an AfD politician was the target of an arson attack in Leipzig, while another member of the party was the victim of an attack at his own residence,” Carboni said.

“All of these attacks have been politically motivated and, like those in France and Italy, German authorities believe that these crimes, including threats, are increasing in the country. Similar concerns have been expressed by the Council of Europe,” he said. .

The annual report on political violence published by ACLED shows an increase in this type of incidents in 29 countries throughout 2023, with France leading the way. About 40 percent are “direct attacks,” says the document, which clarifies that the second most common form of violence is riots.

Political violence in Europe is perpetrated by two large groups: those who act in an unorganized manner during demonstrations and unidentified groups, which are usually behind the majority of threats, bomb attacks and damage to property.

In the first of these cases they are “members of political parties, unions and other groups, who can act jointly or independently.” “What unites them is the spontaneous context in which violence occurs,” Carboni said before stating that the other group is usually linked to more serious crimes related to organized crime.

The organization has emphasized the importance of local authorities receiving greater protection, an “essential” issue to avoid an increase in cases. “This includes protection against harassment, intimidation and violence,” said Carboni, who underlined the importance of enforcing corruption laws to prevent criminal groups from infiltrating local institutions.

Now, with our sights set on the European elections, everything indicates that far-right parties could capitalize on the growing social discontent to achieve significant victories that would place them at the top in almost a dozen states in the bloc, according to several surveys.

That is why center-right parties are trying to stop this trend by adopting an approach to the position and rhetoric of the most extremist groups, especially in relation to the European Green Deal and immigration issues, two points of great controversy.