Friedrich Merz, chairman of the CDU, has come under fire for his recent comments surrounding the murder of Walter Lübcke, the former Kassel district president who was killed by a right-wing extremist.
During the CDU and CSU campaign closing event held last weekend in Munich, Merz questioned the absence of demonstrators during the time of Lübcke's murder. He challenged protestors, particularly those associated with leftist groups, asking, "Where were they when Walter Lübcke was murdered by a right-wing extremist?" This statement has been met with outrage, particularly from Lübcke's widow, Irmgard Braun-Lübcke, who called it deeply unsettling.
"The statement by Friedrich Merz has deeply unsettled my family and me, and I do not want to leave it standing like this," Braun-Lübcke expressed to the Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine. According to her, following Lübcke's death on June 2, 2019, there was widespread societal condemnation of right-wing violence. Thousands of citizens, regardless of political alignment, took to the streets across various German towns, including Lübcke's hometown of Wolfhagen, to demonstrate their commitment to democracy and human rights.
Political reactions came swiftly. Peter Altmaier, the former federal minister, highlighted Lübcke's legacy and encouraged dialogue. "If his widow expresses her bewilderment about last week, we should seek dialogue with (her) and clarify things," he stated on X (formerly Twitter). This sentiment echoed throughout the political spectrum, with representatives from various parties urging responsibility and accountability from Merz.
Robert Habeck, the leader of the Greens, criticized Merz’s remarks, accusing him of being disingenuous. He stated, "We have to question whether the Union drew the right consequences against the right." This critique pointed to the long-standing debate about the effectiveness of political responses to rising right-wing extremism since Lübcke's murder, which shook the nation.
Merz's remarks also drew criticism from the Kassel-based initiative "Offen für Vielfalt," which denounced his comments as inappropriate. They demanded to know, "Where was Friedrich Merz?" as they recalled the public demonstrations held not only after Lübcke’s murder but also during the numerous memorials and remembrance events surrounding the trial of his murderer.
Sven Schoeller, Kassel's mayor, even made headlines with his response by posting on Instagram alongside a Walter Lübcke mug, inviting Merz for coffee to discuss democratic values. This gesture emphasizes the need for dialogue among political leaders about the extremist threats facing democratic institutions.
Timon Gremmels, SPD politician and also from Kassel, similarly extended his criticisms, calling for Merz to apologize to the people of Nordhessen, who stood together against right-wing extremism post-Lübcke's murder. Gremmels emphasized, "Merz must have the courage to correct himself, especially if he aims to become Chancellor." This pointed to the heightened expectations around political integrity, especially from someone seeking the office of Chancellor.
Irmgard Braun-Lübcke, reflecting on her husband’s legacy, urged for unity and action among citizens and politicians alike. She stressed the importance of coming together to stand for the values her husband upheld throughout his life, including solidarity, democracy, and humanity.
Walter Lübcke was fatally shot by Stephan Ernst, who acted out of extremist motives. The horrific nature of this assassination triggered widespread feelings of vulnerability among many, and it revealed the cracks within society concerning right-wing ideologies. Lübcke was known for his open stance on issues pertaining to refugees and was often subjected to threats and harsh criticisms even from within his political party before his untimely death.
The aftermath of Lübcke's death ignited discussions around the responsibilities of political leaders to address and combat rising right-wing violence. The incident became emblematic of growing concerns over hate crimes and the fragility of democratic values. Civil society organizations, including the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, have actively engaged with this narrative, calling on leadership to take decisive actions against the normalization of extremist rhetoric.
Today's debates about political accountability echo the sentiments of unity against hate expressed back when Lübcke was murdered. Braun-Lübcke's statement highlights the importance of acknowledging collective grief and the fight against extremist ideologies. "The time has come for us all to unite for the values championed by my husband and to stand strong against the forces of division," she asserted, reiteratively emphasizing the onus on politicians to lead from the front.
Her words serve as both a reminder and call to action, underscoring the continuing need for cohesive societal values and political leadership grounded in democratic principles. Lübcke's legacy remains entangled with the urgent responsibility of contemporary politics. It’s clear: dialogue is key, but actions speak louder than words.