Herdecke‘s New Mayor,Iris Stalzer,Faults Media Response Following Knife Attack
Herdecke,Germany – Iris Stalzer,who narrowly survived a knife attack just weeks before taking office,has criticized the swift and often uninformed commentary that followed the incident in her frist interview since the assault. Stalzer, a member of the SPD, begins her official term this Saturday, November 4th, and will be formally inaugurated on that date.
The 57-year-old politician deliberately limited her media consumption in the hospital, relying onyl on direct correspondence – homepage submissions, emails, and customary mail – to shield herself from public discourse. “It’s extremely challenging to comment on things that you know so little about and then have an opinion about it in a matter of minutes,” she stated. Stalzer emphasized the need for thoughtful consideration, especially given the personal impact of the attack on her and her family.
Despite the traumatic experience, Stalzer remains committed to her political career, spanning 20 years in local politics. “If only people with perfect families are allowed to get involved, it distorts our society a lot,” she said. “For some, life may be a pony farm, for most it is not.” She noted the party’s immediate and unwavering support for her continued candidacy.
Stalzer also expressed frustration that her husband’s professional life and well-being had been overlooked in the aftermath. “So far, no one has asked my husband how he wants to continue his job in the future with the – if you want to call it that – family burden,” she pointed out, adding that society still expects women to justify their choices while men are not held to the same standard.
The interview, also partially published by Bild, underscores Stalzer’s determination to move forward and serve the community of Herdecke.
dpa/cvb/krott
