Klopp says Germany must reclaim national pride from ‘wrong people’
Juergen Klopp wants Germans to express national pride without being linked to extremism in remarks seen as a rebuke to the far-right AfD party.
Germany's national football coach, Juergen Klopp, voiced his desire on Thursday to take back expressions of national pride from the wrong people. His remarks were interpreted as a rebuke to the far-right, following the Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s victory in the recent election in Saxony-Anhalt. Klopp emphasized that Germans should feel comfortable expressing pride in their country without being linked to extremism.
He did not directly mention the AfD but spoke of reclaiming the national flag, urging people to understand that waving it should evoke happiness and gratitude for living in such a wonderful country. Klopp's comments come after a spate of recent events, including the AfD's election win and a possible far-right government in another state.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil echoed Klopp's sentiments, stating that the national flag is not a symbol of exclusion or arrogance, and that people can be proud of their country regardless of their background. Klopp preferred the term "positive patriotism" over "national pride," expressing his belief that Germans can be proud and still show compassion, openness, and diversity.
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