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Threats, abuse to German mayors hurting local government

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May 31, 2026

German mayors face abuse, threats and violence, as well as increasingly heavy workloads. Many are quitting or forgoing reelection campaigns, leaving towns without mayors and damaging local-level democracy nationwide.

DW spoke with several German mayors who say their jobs are becoming more difficult — even before the rise in threats and physical violence. They said the attacks aren't just personal: they are threats to democracy.

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