German President calls for unity in democracy ahead of landmark vote

Bonn, Germany - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged the preservation of democracy and the rule of law as the country prepares for a state election on Sunday, which could see the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party assume power. At a community festival in Bonn, Steinmeier, who is stepping down from office in March after a decade in power, emphasized that ethnic-based thinking and nationalist isolationism are not solutions to the challenges of the 21st century.

The president described liberal democracy as an "achievement" and a "blessing for us all," stating that those who wish to protect and preserve democracy represent the majority. The remarks were made two days before the AfD is projected to secure enough votes in the Saxony-Anhalt election to gain control there. Founded in 2013, the party promotes a hard Euro-sceptic, anti-immigration platform steeped in far-right rhetoric and defies frequent calls for it to be banned from German politics as extremist.

Steinmeier, addressing the volunteers gathered at the historic Villa Hammerschmidt, stressed that anger and outrage do not lead to a positive future, and one cannot build a future on hatred and incitement. He addressed the volunteers without mentioning the party or election in his comments, urging them to join the "large, often too silent majority" in supporting the democratic process.