Andreas Hollstein, mayor of the German town of Altena, survived a stabbing attack on Monday allegedly for holding a pro-refugee stance.

Hollstein, member of Chancellor Angela Merkel?s party, was stabbed in the neck in a kebab shop and was later shifted to the hospital for treatment, BBC reported.

"The security authorities believe that there was a political motive," said North Rhine-Westphalia premier Armin Laschet.

The assailant was taken into custody after the attack.

Merkel condemned the attack and said: "I am outraged by the knife attack on Mayor Andreas Hollstein, and very relieved that he is able to be back with his family. Thanks also to those who helped him."

Immigration has became a divisive top in the country over the past years, with Angela Merkel at some occasions facing criticism from her own party for a liberal policy regarding refugees.

Germany continues to accept a large number of refugees though calls to limit the intake have strengthened lately.