In the western German town of Herdecke, the newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer (SPD) was found on Tuesday with several stab wounds. According to security sources, her life is in danger. According to the newspaper Bild, her son discovered the injured politician.
The 57-year-old lawyer and mother of two was due to officially take office in November, just one week after her victory in the local elections. She had been active in local politics for many years.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the attack as a “terrible act” and called for a swift and thorough investigation. At the same time, he expressed hope for her recovery. The motive for the attack is still unclear.
The incident occurred after a tense local election campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was marked by aggressive rhetoric and personal attacks.
The case is also reminiscent of the 2019 murder of Walter Lübcke, a supporter of then-Chancellor Angela Merkel's refugee policy. He was shot dead by a right-wing extremist activist while smoking a cigarette on the terrace of his home at night.
(reuters, max)