German president warns democracy under threat after 'bitter setbacks' since reunification
Germany's president has used his final Unity Day speech to warn the hopes of the reunification era have suffered "bitter setbacks." DW has the latest.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has cautioned that democracy in Germany is once again under threat. Speaking at the official ceremony commemorating German Unity Day, Steinmeier reflected on the past 30 years of political change and the challenges facing democracy. He expressed his belief that democracy had been secure, only to witness supporters of right-wing extremism attempting to erase the memory of Holocaust victims.
Steinmeier acknowledged that his expectations for liberal democracy and international cooperation had not been met, citing "bitter setbacks" on his journey. As his final term as president concludes in March, Steinmeier warned that the presidency would become increasingly demanding in promoting social cohesion and preserving national unity.
The German Unity Day celebrations, held across the country, showcased over 550 events to mark the 36th anniversary of reunification. Despite these setbacks, the German government continues to emphasize the importance of unity and progress.
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