The Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Carsten Schneider, would like to see more support and recognition for the Basic Law from citizens. The constitution regulates coexistence in Germany through values such as humanity, fairness, diversity and cohesion. "That's why we can't celebrate it enough," the SPD politician told the German Press Agency. The people of the GDR had fought for these values and freedoms themselves in the peaceful revolution. "That's why 35 years of peaceful revolution and 75 years of the Basic Law, which made German unity a national goal, belong inseparably together."
A study by TU Dresden recently showed that approval of the Basic Law is high overall, but slightly lower in the eastern federal states than in the west. Of people who were socialized in the East, 68 percent said that the Basic Law had proven itself. In the West, the figure was 87 percent.
Schneider also pointed out that violence and politically motivated crime put democracy at risk. "We have to stand up against this - the democratic parties, but also each individual." The municipalities are a central place for this, and the upcoming local elections are a key event. "This is where the course is set for democratic culture and the openness of cities and municipalities," said Schneider.
This Thursday marks the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the Basic Law. On this day, a state ceremony will take place in Berlin, at which Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will deliver the central speech.
Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
