Thuringian Local Politicians Raise Alarm Over Rising Hostility Against Greens

Local politicians from the Green Party in Thuringia have expressed deep concerns regarding escalating hostility and threats directed at their members. In a formal letter addressed to the party leadership in Berlin, two representatives from Gotha, Matthias Kaiser and Felix Kalbe, outlined their alarming experiences, indicating that their commitment to the party has become increasingly perilous.

According to reports, the letter, dated July 16, describes a climate of fear and aggression surrounding their political activities. The signatories conveyed that many party members are withdrawing from active participation, citing an environment where being a Green in Thuringia translates to facing significant professional and personal obstacles. They noted that anxiety is becoming widespread among their ranks.

Thuringia's political landscape has been challenging for the Greens, as evidenced by their performance in the recent elections, where they secured only 3.2% of the vote. The state is currently governed by a coalition composed of the CDU, BSW, and SPD, while the AfD has emerged as the dominant force, capturing 32.8% of the votes. The letter highlights the increasing difficulties faced by Green Party members, particularly outside urban centers like Jena, Weimar, and Erfurt, where hostility towards them has intensified.

The correspondence underscores a disturbing trend where derogatory remarks and physical confrontations against Green members have become commonplace, especially during election campaigns. The politicians reported that instances of public harassment--such as being insulted or spat upon--have become routine, with threats of violence becoming an alarming reality.

Instances of vandalism targeting their offices have also been reported, with hate messages being affixed to windows, and serious threats being etched into their property. One particularly chilling incident involved a violent message that remains visible on their office window, reflecting the neglect of law enforcement to address these ongoing threats. The authors of the letter claimed that police investigations have often stalled, leaving them feeling unsupported in their plight.

In their communication to the Green Party leadership, Kaiser and Kalbe expressed feelings of isolation, stating that they are now the only party representatives actively engaging with the local population to promote the party's ideas. They emphasized the urgent need for support and resources from the party's national leadership, as the current situation poses both physical and mental health risks to their members.

Additionally, the authors called attention to a previous letter sent to Thuringia's Interior Minister, Georg Maier, which similarly detailed the deteriorating conditions for party members. They criticized the existing safety measures as ineffective, asserting that the support systems intended to protect local politicians are failing.

The letter concluded with a stark warning: without immediate and tangible support from the Green Party's leadership, they may have to confront the harsh reality of abandoning their efforts in the eastern states of Germany. The situation demands urgent intervention, as the viability of the Green Party in Thuringia hangs in the balance.