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PoliticsGermany

Threats, abuse to German mayors hurting local government

May 31, 2026

German mayors face abuse, threats and violence, as well as increasingly heavy workloads. Many are quitting or forgoing reelection campaigns, leaving towns without mayors and damaging local-level democracy nationwide.

https://p.dw.com/p/5EYCq

DW spoke with several German mayors who say their jobs are becoming more difficult — even before the rise in threats and physical violence. They said the attacks aren't just personal: they are threats to democracy.