The political climate in Germany has taken a darker turn – just days after a democratic victory, violence strikes again.
The newly elected mayor of the German town of Herdecke, Iris Stalzer, has been seriously injured in a knife attack, according to reports from German media.
Police said that Stalzer, a 57-year-old member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), sustained multiple stab wounds. A large-scale police operation is currently underway in the town, located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, as authorities search for the attacker.
At this stage, details about the incident and the identity of the suspect remain unclear. Local investigators have cordoned off the area, and emergency services continue to provide medical assistance to the victim.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern following the news, writing on social media platform X that he hopes for Stalzer’s full and swift recovery.
Stalzer was elected mayor less than two weeks ago, securing 52.2 percent of the vote in the second round of local elections.
