Herdecke, Germany, 7 October 2025 — The newly elected mayor of Herdecke, a town in western Germany, is in critical condition after being found with multiple stab wounds on Tuesday, authorities confirmed.
The Incident
The victim, Iris Stalzer, a 57-year-old labour lawyer and member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), was discovered seriously injured at her home shortly after midday. Local media reported she had sustained stab wounds to her neck and abdomen before managing to drag herself back inside. Emergency services airlifted her to hospital, where she remains in intensive care.
Investigation
Police and prosecutors have launched a large-scale investigation, sealing off the area around her residence. While the motive remains unclear, investigators said all possibilities are being examined, including potential family involvement. Reports indicated that her teenage children were present at the time and have been questioned by authorities.
Political Context
Stalzer was elected mayor of Herdecke just a week ago and was due to take office in November. Her victory, achieved with the backing of the Greens, ended conservative leadership in the town of 20,000 residents. The attack comes amid growing concerns over political violence in Germany, following previous high-profile assaults on local officials, including the 2019 murder of regional politician Walter Lübcke and the 2015 stabbing of Cologne’s mayor Henriette Reker.
Reactions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the incident as a “terrible deed” and called for a swift investigation, adding: “We fear for the life of the mayor-designate and hope for her full recovery.” SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch expressed shock, saying the party was “deeply saddened” and awaiting further details.
Outlook
The case has reignited debate about the safety of public officials in Germany, where studies show a majority of politicians have faced threats or violence. Authorities have urged caution against speculation as investigations continue into the circumstances of the attack.
Sources: Reuters; ABC News; The Independent; Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).
