The incident, which took place two days before the European Parliament elections, continues a series of attacks on European politicians that have caused considerable consternation in the political scene over the past month.
A man attacked Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on a street in Copenhagen, just two days before European Parliament elections
Politico writes .
The Social Democratic leader was "shocked" by the incident, however, according to witnesses, he did not suffer any visible injuries, and a suspect was arrested.
The attack on the Danish Prime Minister shook his political allies and rivals alike. "Tonight's attack on the Danish Prime Minister is shocking," wrote Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament on X. "Violence has no place in politics. Stay strong, Mette!". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her shock and sympathy. "I was very shocked by the news that he was attacked tonight," von der Leyen wrote in her post.
I condemn this despicable act, which goes against everything we believe in and fight for in Europe. I wish you strength and courage - I know you have plenty of both
- added the President of the European Commission.
Danish Social Democrat Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke said the attack on his party's leader had shaken everyone close to him. "We all have a responsibility to look after each other and the values our country was built on," he wrote on social media.
Morten Lokkegaard - who is running as a representative of the center-right Liberal Party in Sunday's election - wrote that it is crucial for democracy to be able to debate regardless of political opinion. "Violence and attack undermine public debate and thus our democracy," he said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was among the international leaders who expressed concern about Frederiksen. "Tonight, my thoughts and those of my family are with him," he wrote on his social media page.
Frederiksen's party is leading according to the latest opinion polls ahead of Sunday's election. He has led Denmark since 2019 and is a dominant figure in Danish political life. He is seen as a politician who can build alliances across political divides and is mentioned as a possible future candidate for the presidency of the European Council.
A series of attacks against politicians began in Europe
At the beginning of May, Social Democratic member of the European Parliament Matthias Ecke was attacked while putting up campaign posters in Germany. The politician was taken to the hospital and required surgery due to his serious injuries.
Robert Fico, the prime minister of Slovakia, was shot on May 15 after the government's opening meeting in Nyitrabány. The Prime Minister was hit by four bullets in the chest and stomach, and was transported by helicopter to the Bésztercebánya hospital with life-threatening injuries. The motive of the assassin was that he opposed several decisions of the government.
On Wednesday, the head of the Slovak government, who is convalescing at home, appeared in a video, blaming his forgiven attacker for what happened on the policy of one-sided opinion.
On Tuesday, a candidate for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was attacked with a knife. The party's statement said the incident took place late at night near the Mannheim market, after the AfD candidate caught three poster vandals in the act. The politician suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
Featured image: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomes Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who is celebrating his 60th birthday, in Copenhagen on May 15, 2024. MTI/EPA/Ritzau/Ida Marie Odgaard
