Cem Özdemir, the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg and a prominent Green Party politician, has recounted several frightening incidents from his political career. Speaking in Stuttgart, Özdemir stated that while personal danger is concerning, the most distressing aspect is the worry for the safety of one's family and community. He highlighted specific instances where he felt threatened, including a taxi ride through Berlin with his children.
During this incident, the driver, who was of Turkish origin, recognized Özdemir and began driving aggressively, repeatedly slamming on the brakes in an attempt to force the politician and his children out of the vehicle. Özdemir described the situation as unbearable, noting that his daughter had to comfort his frightened son. He also recalled a threatening encounter at Leipzig Central Station while traveling with an intern. After a demonstration, they were pursued by supporters of Legida, a right-wing extremist offshoot of Pegida known for its anti-Islam and racist stance.
The pursuers eventually caught up with them, shouting insults in Özdemir's ear and holding a mobile phone provocatively close to his face. Although Özdemir tried to keep the intern calm, he admitted to fearing what would happen if the aggressor had aimed the device at him. He noted that no police assistance arrived immediately, and it was only later that two officers escorted them to the platform.
Özdemir identified the 2016 Bundestag resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide as a turning point in his life. As a co-initiator of the resolution, he faced personal attacks from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and received death threats, necessitating police protection. He explained that his daily routine changed drastically; simple activities like shopping or walking outside became difficult, leading him to avoid leaving his house alone and often taking a neighbor with him.
The threat extended to his children's environment, with other parents at the kindergarten questioning whether it was safe for their children to be around Özdemir's kids. He expressed feeling guilty about this situation, noting that such questions are something no one should have to face. In the context of the ongoing debate regarding Elif Eralp, a Left Party candidate for Berlin's Governing Mayor who has expressed fear of terror sympathizers, Özdemir argued that politicians must not become accustomed to fear. He emphasized that while understanding fear is natural, especially regarding children, politicians cannot let it dictate their actions or create an impression of being extortable during difficult decisions.
Sources: Der Spiegel.