Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen Assaulted in Copenhagen
ICARO Media Group
The incident took place during the European Union parliamentary elections, which conclude across the EU on Sunday.
Local authorities have confirmed that one person has been arrested, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the details of the assault. At this time, it is unclear how the incident unfolded or if Frederiksen sustained any injuries. The Prime Minister's office stated that she was "shocked" by the incident.
Although the context of the assault remains unknown, reports suggest that it is unrelated to a campaign event. Frederiksen has been actively campaigning with the Social Democrats' EU lead candidate, Christel Schaldemose.
News of the assault has shocked and elicited condemnation from politicians both within Denmark and abroad. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson deemed the attack "an attack on a democratically elected leader and our democracy." Charles Michel, President of the European Council, described the incident as a "cowardly act of aggression."
Sadly, violence against politicians has become a recurring theme in the lead-up to the EU elections. In May, a candidate from Germany's center-left Social Democrats was severely beaten while campaigning for a seat in the European Parliament. Additionally, the election campaign in Slovakia was marred by an assassination attempt on populist Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15, shaking the nation and causing reverberations throughout Europe.
As the investigation into the assault on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen continues, people across the political spectrum express their concern and hope for her safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by politicians during heated political campaigns and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a peaceful and respectful democratic process.