Deutsche Einheit: Steinmeier warnt: Es geht um Selbstbehauptung der Demokratie

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for defending democracy during a ceremony marking Germany's Day of German Unity. He warned against the resurgence of extremist forces in the country, fueled by lies and manipulation on social media, and referencing AfD's recent election successes. Steinmeier also criticized extremist politicians for seeking destruction, humiliating others, and threatening, which endangers not only freedom and democracy but also our inner unity.

He questioned whether Berlin has become like Weimar and stated that it's not yet decided. The president emphasized the need to uphold democratic dispute culture and urged against the denigration of democratic procedures, radicalization of public opinion, and defamation of compromises. Steinmeier called for the democratic struggle to be renewed and warned about the absurdity and emotionalism of social media, hinting at a post-history in which party supporters of right-wing extremism seek to erase the memory of Holocaust victims.

In a poll conducted by Insa-Institute, the AfD managed to reach 30% nationwide for the first time, while the Union fell to a low of 18%. The AfD gained a point compared to the previous week, while the CDU and CSU lost a point. Kaiser for Eastern Germany, Elisabeth Kaiser, criticized the existing inequality between East and West and called for a female Eastern German president.

She reminded of the challenges faced by Eastern Germans in the past and said that these experiences still shape them. Around 1,000 guests from politics, justice, and society celebrated the Day of German Unity in Bremen with a focus on "Many Strengths - One Country."