Campaign volunteers have been attacked in separate incidents in Berlin, less than three weeks before Germany heads to the polls.
Two men distributing flyers for the Greens were attacked in southern Berlin on Wednesday, after two campaigners for the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) youth chapter were assaulted the previous evening.
Special police units responsible for political crimes are investigating the incidents.
Germany has been rocked by protests in recent days after CDU leader Friedrich Merz passed a motion in parliament with support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
According to the CDU, there has been an increase in hostility, intimidation and attacks on campaigners across the country in recent days.
“I am deeply shocked by the attack on two volunteers,” said CDU lawmaker Jan-Marco Luczak. “The debate against the CDU, which has become increasingly heated in recent days, is now escalating into violence.”
Claudia Löber, a local Green politician, also reacted to the latest incident.
“We are shocked and angry about this brutal attack. This is a new escalation level of political violence – against people who stand up for our democracy,” she said.
Germany’s election is due to be held on February 23.
