Irish Examiner view: Another threat to democracy emerges

German plot underlines fragility of democracy and importance of addressing threats before they metastasise into menaces
Irish Examiner view: Another threat to democracy emerges

German police lead 'Heinrich XIII' to a police vehicle during a raid in Frankfurt. Picture: Boris Roessler/dpa

At first glance, the news coming out of Germany seems faintly comic. A potential far-right coup was foiled this week by the German security services, but when it emerged that one of the plotters was the improbably-named Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss the news acquired a faint whiff of comic opera, particularly as more details emerged about the obscure House of Reuss (all of whose male members are traditionally named Heinrich).

Closer examination reveals a far more sinister backdrop to these events. The plotters are believed to have sought to make contact with Russian officials to help with their plans, for instance.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner.

Annual €130 €80

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

More in this section

Revoiced

Newsletter

Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited