Steinmeier warns Germany’s unity depends on defending democracy
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier used Unity Day celebrations in Bremen to warn that extremist demagoguery threatened freedom, democracy and national cohesion. He described distrust of the political system and manipulation on social media, while urging leaders to examine failures since reunification. He also called on the federal government to stay determined in pursuing reforms despite resistance. The ceremony commemorated reunification in 1990.
Geopolitics··Morning
Democracy is the centre of the Unity Day appeal
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for a determined defence of democracy at the German Unity Day ceremony in Bremen on 3 October. He warned that extremist forces using political demagoguery, ridicule and threats endangered freedom, democracy and the country’s internal unity. The annual holiday commemorates reunification on 3 October 1990. Steinmeier credited those who challenged East Germany’s dictatorship with making a peaceful revolution for freedom and democracy possible. He argued that present difficulties should not erase the memory of that achievement, while describing democracy as newly challenged after a period in which he had regarded it as secure.[1], [2]
Distrust and social media manipulation draw criticism
Steinmeier described disappointed expectations in both eastern and western Germany. Despite decades of rebuilding, he said large sections of society distrusted the Federal Republic’s political order. He argued that the choices of a quarter or more of voters signalled a retreat from important fundamental rights; that figure formed part of his political assessment. He urged a genuine culture of disagreement and warned against treating contempt for law or deliberate falsehood as partners in compromise. He also criticised manipulation and heightened emotion on social media, and opposed renewed anti-Jewish sentiment and threats to Jewish people’s safety.[1]
Reunification’s unfinished work enters the reform appeal
The president asked political leaders to examine failures over the past three and a half decades, including whether they had done enough to prevent unemployment and place eastern Germans in influential roles. He called on the federal government to maintain its reform course, describing Germany as facing a profound crisis and saying renewed growth required change. His appeal stressed determination despite resistance and a willingness to leave established routines. Steinmeier, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and parliamentary president Julia Klöckner attended an ecumenical service in Bremen Cathedral as the main celebrations began. The holiday programme included concerts, discussions and exhibitions across the northwestern city. Around 1,000 honorary guests attended the service. Organisers expected more than 400,000 visitors over two days and planned about 800 activities. Those visitor figures were expectations rather than a final attendance count. The theme of the celebrations referred to the many strengths within one country.[1], [2]
