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ALEMANIA Steinmeier urges defense of democracy on German Unity Day
Germany’s president used the ceremony in Bremen to warn about rising extremist forces, manipulation on social media and growing distrust in democratic institutions. He also called for political self-criticism and determined action.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for a firm defense of democracy during the German Unity Day ceremony in Bremen, according to Der Spiegel. In his speech, he warned about the growing strength of extremist forces and said that trend is also fueled by lies and manipulation on social media.
Steinmeier said a significant part of society is showing mistrust toward the political order of the Federal Republic and argued that every vote must be taken seriously. At the same time, he said it cannot be overlooked that a sizable share of voters is using its electoral choice to turn away from core decisions that define the republic.
He also warned that the discrediting of democratic procedures, the radicalization of public debate and the disparaging of political compromise should be treated as a serious alarm. In that context, he said Germany’s democracy is being challenged again and that the key issue ahead will be its ability to hold its ground.
According to Der Spiegel, the president said politics must ask itself, without excuses, what it failed to do if so many citizens are drifting away while extremists find resonance. He therefore urged society to resist manipulation and falsehoods.
During the ceremony, Steinmeier also recalled German reunification and described it as the healing of a deep wound after decades of internal division. He added that crises and entrenched conflicts can be addressed, even gradually, if there is enough political will to break with routine and act decisively despite resistance.
Before his speech, Bundesrat President Andreas Bovenschulte called for greater recognition of different life paths and a determined commitment to democracy, Der Spiegel reported. The Social Democrat and mayor of Bremen said German unity was a shared decision and stressed that East Germans were not mere spectators but active makers of history.
Bovenschulte also warned against forces that question equal rights and show contempt for free media, independent courts and science. He added that democracy needs disagreement, but political opponents must not be treated as enemies.
In another report on the same event, Der Spiegel added that not everyone in the audience supported Steinmeier’s message and said the AfD leader refused to applaud.
Sources
About this piece. Written by El Notero with AI assistance, from reporting published by the outlet cited above. El Notero did no original reporting on this story.
