German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said Tuesday that he will not tolerate hate speech and threats of violence against him and will file charges if necessary.
“This is simply a decision that I am no longer prepared to tolerate anything that verges on violence and contempt. Also because, of course, others should not do that either,” Habeck told the Machiavelli podcast.
German newspaper Die Welt reported in July that Habeck, who is also Minister of Economy and Climate, has filed hundreds of complaints since April 2023 about hate speech he has received.
The more than 700 complaints were filed through the ministry and Habeck’s parliamentary office, the newspaper reported.
Habeck is working with specialist law firms and the HateAid organisation on this case.
“You have to fight hard, as best you can,” Habeck said. “It’s a violation of language that will ultimately lead to a violation of actions and violence in reality.”
