The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, delivered a stark warning regarding the fragility of German democracy during a commemorative event at Bellevue Palace on November 9th. Marking anniversaries of pivotal and often traumatic, dates in German history – the proclamation of the Weimar Republic in 1918, the Kristallnacht pogrom of 1938 and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 – Steinmeier highlighted a confluence of threats undermining the nation’s liberal democratic foundations.
He pointed to the escalating boldness of populist and extremist voices who, he asserted, actively mock democratic institutions, poison public discourse and exploit societal anxieties. “The taboo of openly embracing radical sentiment no longer holds for many” Steinmeier stated, raising concerns about the ease with which anti-democratic narratives are gaining traction. The President’s remarks subtly criticized a perceived complacency within mainstream political circles, urging a decisive response to the strategies employed by those seeking to erode democratic norms.
A particularly chilling aspect of Steinmeier’s address was his condemnation of surging antisemitism within Germany. Directly linking the current climate to the events of October 7th, 2023, he emphasized a significant rise in antisemitic sentiment originating from across the political spectrum – right, left and centrist – and even within the Muslim immigrant community. He described a palpable sense of fear within Germany’s Jewish community, impacting daily life, from school attendance to public displays of religious identity.
Beyond the immediate anxieties surrounding antisemitism, Steinmeier also expressed concern over a widening chasm between East and West Germany, a troubling regression from the unifying spirit of the Peaceful Revolution thirty-six years ago. He lamented the fading memory of that historic moment and questioned the nation’s ability to consistently draw strength and inspiration from it.
Steinmeier underscored the vital importance of active citizen participation in sustaining democracy, directly challenging those who remain silent or passive. “Get involved” he urged, imploring individuals to speak out and defend democratic values in all facets of society – from parliamentary debates to casual conversations. He stressed that the self-preservation of democracy is a defining challenge of the current era, one that demands collective effort.
The President’s remarks also touched upon the contentious debate surrounding a potential ban of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. While acknowledging that a party ban represents the “ultimate recourse” of a reactive democracy, Steinmeier cautioned against viewing it as a panacea. He emphasized the need for careful consideration and debate concerning the appropriateness and potential consequences of such a severe measure, underscoring that the key lies in how the political center responds to those who reject democratic values. Ultimately, he posited that the strength and persuasiveness of the political center’s own narrative and the steadfastness of democratic parties, remain paramount.