GERMANY: THE PRESIDENT ALERT ABOUT POLARIZATION
Frank-Walter Steinmeier called to protect the democratic debate against disinformation and extremism, on the anniversary of reunification.
At the German Unity Day ceremony on October 3, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned of the risk of growing political division and the spread of disinformation by extremist groups.
Steinmeier called for defending freedom and democracy and described political demagoguery as a threat to the unity of the country. Reuters noted that the speech came after recent regional elections in eastern Germany and in Berlin.
The president did not point to a specific party. His intervention called for a responsible public debate and a political response capable of addressing citizens' concerns.
What to follow: the reactions of the parties, the measures against disinformation and the evolution of support for democratic institutions. The opinions expressed in the speech are those of the president.