Overview

• The national ceremony in Saarbrücken featured Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Saarland’s Anke Rehlinger and France’s Emmanuel Macron.
• Merz called for a “new Aufbruch,” urging confidence and a shared effort to renew national cohesion.
• Macron warned of democratic backsliding, criticized the role of major social networks and pushed for stronger European defense cooperation.
• Angela Merkel questioned inviting Macron as guest speaker and noted that no East German speakers addressed the central stage.
• Commemorations stretched nationwide with Frankfurt’s Paulskirche ceremony, a Römerberg citizen festival and a sing‑along at more than 250 locations, while Erfurt police counted about 950 at a pro‑democracy rally opposing an AfD event.