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EU Commissioner: aggression against politicians a threat to democracy

by AI | 16.Oct 2025 | Europe in brief AI

European Commissioner Michael McGrath (Democracy) is very concerned about the increasing aggression and threats against politicians. “If this is not addressed, we will have a democracy that is less representative,” he said.

Euro Commissioner Michael McGrath (Democracy) Photo: EFE/EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET

LUXEMBOURG (ANP) – “We will ultimately have fewer women, fewer young people, and fewer representatives of minority groups interested in politics,” warned McGrath after a meeting with EU ministers of Justice in Luxembourg. “We must avoid that.”

Aggression and threats against politicians are not limited to one member state, as was evident from the discussion the ministers had on Monday, he further stated. The ministers agree that a politician must be willing to accept strong criticism, said McGrath. However, expressing threats or physical violence against politicians is “totally unacceptable.”

In the EU, there have been several incidents in recent times, the Commissioner said without mentioning specific examples. On Friday, several people were arrested in Belgium who were allegedly targeting PVV leader Geert Wilders and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

“Any violence against a representative of the people is an attack on democracy itself,” said the Commissioner. He will soon come up with a proposal that includes protecting the safety of candidates and representatives of the people.

Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard believes it should be clearly indicated “what we as a democratic society allow and tolerate.” He believes that penalties should be imposed for crossing that line.

Denmark is the EU president until January 1.

(October 13, 2025)