Bundespresseball 2025 Highlights Press Freedom and Democracy Amid Political Absences

Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer delivered a moving keynote as CDU and SPD leaders skipped the event due to coalition negotiations.

The 72nd Bundespresseball in Berlin centered on the theme 'For Democracy. Strengthen Press Freedom,' addressing global challenges to journalism and democracy.
Margot Friedländer, a 103-year-old Holocaust survivor, urged vigilance against threats to democratic values in an emotional keynote speech.
CDU and SPD representatives were notably absent due to ongoing coalition talks, underscoring Germany's current political uncertainty.
Michael Kappeler, chief photographer of Deutsche Presse-Agentur, received the Bundespressekonferenz award for his contributions to political journalism.
AfD representatives were excluded from the event, reflecting concerns about the party's stance on press freedom and democratic norms.