German lawmaker targeted with counterfeit cake during campaign rally
The leader of the German Free Democratic Party, Christian Lindner, faced an attack during a campaign event. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Christian Lindner, the leader of Germany’s Free Democratic Party, was struck with a foam cake during an election campaign event in Greifswald, located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, on Thursday. The attacker has been identified by German media as a local activist from the Left party.
Footage of the incident circulating on social media captures Lindner speaking to a small audience when a young woman approached him and threw what appeared to be a small white cake at his face. His initial response was light-hearted; he humorously lamented that the "cake" was made of foam rather than cream, which meant he missed the chance to taste it.
Later, at another event, Lindner characterized the incident as an attack "from the left," explaining that "those left-of-center do not want to hear the message of freedom, economic transition and orderly migration." He emphasized, "I will not be intimidated," playfully urging his critics to use real baked goods next time.
The event has drawn widespread condemnation from across the German political spectrum. Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked on X that “Attacks on politicians are not a form of democratic behavior. These actions are inappropriate and dangerous.”
Other politicians shared similar views. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the incident as "disrespectful and undemocratic," stressing that violence has no place in political discussions. Friedrich Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union, cautioned against the rising trend of political violence and expressed hope that such incidents would remain infrequent during the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in late February.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach voiced his concerns about the potential for escalating violence, noting that it “starts with cakes and ends with stones or explosives.” He called for a firm rejection of all forms of political violence.
In response, the Left Party distanced itself from the actions of Christiane Kiesow, the identified activist. Party secretary-general Janis Ehling stated that such actions do not reflect their approach to political discourse and highlighted their commitment to substantive discussions. He mentioned plans to address the incident directly with Kiesow.
German police have launched an investigation into the matter. The 34-year-old attacker is suspected of assault and insult, with law enforcement officials informing the press that, due to the political nature of the act, the domestic security service – the BfV – is also involved.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
Footage of the incident circulating on social media captures Lindner speaking to a small audience when a young woman approached him and threw what appeared to be a small white cake at his face. His initial response was light-hearted; he humorously lamented that the "cake" was made of foam rather than cream, which meant he missed the chance to taste it.
Later, at another event, Lindner characterized the incident as an attack "from the left," explaining that "those left-of-center do not want to hear the message of freedom, economic transition and orderly migration." He emphasized, "I will not be intimidated," playfully urging his critics to use real baked goods next time.
The event has drawn widespread condemnation from across the German political spectrum. Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked on X that “Attacks on politicians are not a form of democratic behavior. These actions are inappropriate and dangerous.”
Other politicians shared similar views. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the incident as "disrespectful and undemocratic," stressing that violence has no place in political discussions. Friedrich Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union, cautioned against the rising trend of political violence and expressed hope that such incidents would remain infrequent during the upcoming snap parliamentary elections in late February.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach voiced his concerns about the potential for escalating violence, noting that it “starts with cakes and ends with stones or explosives.” He called for a firm rejection of all forms of political violence.
In response, the Left Party distanced itself from the actions of Christiane Kiesow, the identified activist. Party secretary-general Janis Ehling stated that such actions do not reflect their approach to political discourse and highlighted their commitment to substantive discussions. He mentioned plans to address the incident directly with Kiesow.
German police have launched an investigation into the matter. The 34-year-old attacker is suspected of assault and insult, with law enforcement officials informing the press that, due to the political nature of the act, the domestic security service – the BfV – is also involved.
Aarav Patel contributed to this report for TROIB News
