Overview
- Frank‑Walter Steinmeier said democracy and freedom are under the greatest pressure since reunification, pointing to surging right‑wing extremism as the primary domestic threat.
- Framing his remarks in the history of 9 November, he also cited Russia’s aggression and a sharp rise in antisemitism since October 7, 2023 as reasons for urgency.
- He insisted there must be no political cooperation with extremists in governments or parliaments and described a party ban as the ultima ratio that should be legally examined.
- He stressed the duties of the political center, warning that brandmauern are only signals, calling for distance from extremist rhetoric, and urging open debate on migration and security without blanket stigmatization.
- The AfD responded on Monday with Bernd Baumann accusing the president of misusing his office and insinuating an equation with Nazi perpetrators, even though the party was not named in the speech.