Steinmeier: Democracy and Freedom in Germany Under Threat

Steinmeier: Democracy and Freedom in Germany Under Threat 0

In his speech marking the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the President of Germany called for the protection of democracy. Currently, the country is primarily threatened by "far-right forces," noted Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for the protection of democracy in Germany. "Never in the history of our united state has democracy and freedom been under such serious attack," he stated during a speech at an event commemorating the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall at Bellevue Palace on Sunday, November 9. His speech was published on the official website of the head of state.

"We are under threat from the Russian aggressor, who has destroyed our peaceful order, and from whom we must defend ourselves. And at present, we are threatened by far-right forces that attack our democracy and gain support from the population," Steinmeier said.

President of Germany Calls to Counter Right-Wing Extremism

Right-wing extremists play on people's negative emotions, seducing them with the "promise of authoritarian leadership" and the idea that Germany will "be great again," he noted. "Simply waiting for the storm to pass and taking refuge in a safe place is not enough. We must act. We can act!" the head of state urged politicians and civil society.

The Federal President also deemed cooperation with extremist parties "unacceptable, both in government and in parliaments," and the banning of such parties as a "last resort of a defending democracy." According to him, it is necessary to check and weigh whether there are prerequisites for this. "We must not remain inactive while these questions are unresolved," Frank-Walter Steinmeier pointed out. He did not directly mention the far-right party "Alternative for Germany." In some federal states, it has already been recognized as extremist.

Steinmeier Also Called to Fight Anti-Semitism

In his speech, Steinmeier also condemned the rise of anti-Semitism following the attack by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. "We must fight anti-Semitism, regardless of where it comes from," the German politician stated.

November 9 symbolizes three important events in German history: in 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated the throne; 20 years later, the Nazis organized Jewish pogroms on "Kristallnacht"; and in 1989, the Berlin Wall fell.