Description: On the precipice of the German federal election and the Munich Security Conference, 24 – year old Afghan national Farhad N. pummeled a Mini – Cooper into a civil led protest leaving up to 30 people injured. Details about the attacker have emerged as his application for asylum has been rejected and he was also known to the police for previous drug and theft offences. The ruling SPD (Social Democratic Party) of Chancellor Olaf Scholz has come under scrutiny for soft immigration laws while AfD, the far – right populist party have also suggested imposing severe laws regarding migration. The upcoming Munich Security Conference has been additionally bolstered with security amid the attack, while tensions further rise in the upcoming elections.
Impact: Germany as the pivotal country on the European continent has faced growing challenges from hybrid threats originating from Russia to the rise of the far – right AfD and growing economic pressures. The attack could incentivize potential imposition on stricter immigration laws further dividing political grievances and causing prolonged political crisis. The attack further showcased the discombobulated state of Germany’s security forces as the country scrambles to remain competitive on multiple fronts concerning politics, defense and economy. The rise of the far – right not just on German soil but across Europe could additionally undermine European political stability amid growing economic rifts with the US and the evolving war crisis in Ukraine.