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Mayor Stalzer: The media should report on violence more sensitively!”
Iris Stalzer, new mayor of Herdecke, criticizes the media and politics after her daughter's life-threatening knife attack.
Mayor Stalzer: The media should report on violence more sensitively!”
In Herdecke, a city in the Ruhr area, a frightening incident overshadows political events. Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor, was seriously injured in her own home three and a half weeks ago. The perpetrator, a 17-year-old adopted daughter, is suspected of threatening Stalzer in the basement and, like that Welt reports being seriously injured with 13 knife stabs and numerous head injuries. An arrest warrant has already been issued against the adopted daughter for grievous bodily harm.
In her first interview after the incident, Stalzer sharply criticized the media and politics. She particularly criticized the hasty reactions, which in her opinion did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the situation. “The reporting was often unreflective and did not properly capture the situation,” said Stalzer. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) also commented on the incident and described it as “abhorrent”. However, Stalzer finds this public condemnation inadequate. She would have liked the reactions to be more responsible and not as hasty as she perceived, reports Spiegel.
Make a strong statement
Despite the life-threatening injuries, the new mayor plans to remain politically active. Iris Stalzer emphasizes that her party's support for her goes beyond the matter with her husband. “We have to discuss topics differently today,” she explains. With a look at social role models, she also criticized the fact that women are always held accountable when explaining their situation, while men are often spared. Gender equality is a major concern of hers and one that she would like to continue to talk about in her future position.
Her official inauguration is scheduled for November 4, and her term will begin on Saturday. The incident touched not only Iris Stalzer, but also the people of Herdecke and raises questions about safety, family and the role of women in society.
In times like these, it is important to send a strong signal and advocate for an open discussion about violence in the family and social norms. Iris Stalzer willingly took her first step and will certainly continue to be in the spotlight.