Political violence is on the rise across Europe, with recent attacks targeting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and various German politicians. These incidents come in the runup to the European Parliament elections, where migration pressures and the conflict in Ukraine are fueling polarization. Fico, known for his pro-Russian and anti-American views, survived an assassination attempt and has since used the incident to mobilize support for his party. The assault on Frederiksen in Denmark and attacks on leaders in France and Germany have raised concerns about democracy itself being under attack. Politicians from various parties have faced physical and verbal assaults, with some requiring medical treatment. The readiness to use violence for political ends has sparked alarm among lawmakers, with calls for a zero-tolerance approach to such actions. In the UK, pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage was recently pelted with a milkshake, highlighting the growing trend of using violence as a form of political protest. The wave of attacks on elected officials has created a sense of fear and unease among politicians and citizens alike, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring the safety of those in power.
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