SVPler found animal feces in his mailbox

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Hate is part of everyday life for many politicians. That is the frightening result of a survey by the “NZZ” among members of the canton of Zurich and the city council. About 45 percent of those surveyed have experienced hostility several times in real life because of their political position. Hate messages on the internet are even more common.

Green alderman Markus Knauss (61) says he has suffered from attacks and insults for twenty years. “Hate comes through all channels: I get emails, letters and phone calls.” Someone also sprayed “Knauss du Hueresohn” on a facade. “Our front door is also a regular target of attacks,” says the politician.

Threatening emails against the daughter

He recently received a death threat. “Greens should be under hunting law,” the sender wrote. He then filed a complaint. An SVP politician, who is not mentioned by name, says he has already received threatening emails against his daughter. In addition, someone filled his mailbox with animal excrement.

Cantonal councilor Michèle Dünki-Bättig (33) of the SP reports that once a man with a gun sat on a podium in the hall. “As I was about to leave the room, he yelled at me to be careful, because he could shoot far with it.”

Hate has consequences

The research shows that politicians are most often attacked because of a certain political position or their political orientation. Women are also repeatedly subjected to hatred because of their appearance or their gender.

In the “NZZ” survey, about one in four said these experiences would at least partially influence their political work. A politician says she deliberately does not publish her telephone number and address on the municipality’s website because of hostilities.

Former SP councilor Sarah Akanji (30) even pulled the string after four years because of racist attacks and withdrew from politics. She demanded that politicians take measures “so that people who are politically active are better protected”. Her former cantonal colleague Nicola Siegrist (26), chairman of Juso Switzerland, says of Akanji’s resignation: “Our only answer can be: we will no longer allow it.” (lha)

Source:Blick