Ten Commandments of the New Bourgeoisie”.. In an interview with the Funke-Mediengruppe podcast “Meine schwerste Entscheidung” Weimer stated he is “far from any form of volkisch thinking” a reference to a nationalist ideology.
He addressed concerns regarding passages in the book pertaining to a perceived decline in Europe, admitting that, “If I were to write it again today, I would write it differently and more clearly”. He conceded that retrospective review of his extensive body of writing would likely reveal other instances where clearer expression would have been beneficial.
Weimer reinforced his identity as a committed conservative of values, while simultaneously portraying himself as largely liberal in contemporary political debates. He adopted the slogan “Make Aufklärung Great Again” as a guiding principle.
The Minister underscored what he sees as a current surge in authoritarian tendencies – both left-leaning and right-leaning – globally, citing examples from nations like China and Russia and acknowledging unsettling trends within Western societies. He specifically identified the pan-European ideal, as he understands it, as being vulnerable.
Weimer views the present moment as a critical juncture for Europe, positing a fundamental choice: “Do we also incline towards an authoritarianism, be it left or right, or do we keep the torch of the Enlightenment alight?” He firmly endorsed the “Make Aufklärung Great Again” sentiment, emphasizing its importance in the current climate.