04:20Germany: 'New nationalist hatred' hijacking German flag - Pres. Steinmeier
Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave a rousing speech at the National Theatre in Weimar on Wednesday, as part of a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the Weimar Republic's constitution.
With Chancellor Angela Merkel in the crowd, Steinmeier reflected on the same event ten years ago and why the public seemed to be more interested this time around.
"The attention has to do with the rounded nature of the anniversary but also with the current image of liberal democracy, which has changed," he explained.
Steinmeier went on to say that the historical achievements of the Weimar Constitution brought about 'checks and balances, parliamentarianism and the rule of law' but much of that was under threat across Europe.
"Ladies and gentlemen, is it not historically absurd if this black, red and gold flag is most strikingly waved today by those who want to spark a new nationalist hatred?" he asked. "Red, black and gold are our colours. They are the symbol of our democracy. Let us never leave them to the despisers of freedom, that I beg of you."
Merkel, Steinmeier and Bundestag President Wolfgang Schauble had all attended Herder Church in Weimar earlier on Wednesday for a service celebrating the centenary.
RESTRICTIONS: News purpose only
04:20news purpose only
Germany's Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave a rousing speech at the National Theatre in Weimar on Wednesday, as part of a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the Weimar Republic's constitution.
With Chancellor Angela Merkel in the crowd, Steinmeier reflected on the same event ten years ago and why the public seemed to be more interested this time around.
"The attention has to do with the rounded nature of the anniversary but also with the current image of liberal democracy, which has changed," he explained.
Steinmeier went on to say that the historical achievements of the Weimar Constitution brought about 'checks and balances, parliamentarianism and the rule of law' but much of that was under threat across Europe.
"Ladies and gentlemen, is it not historically absurd if this black, red and gold flag is most strikingly waved today by those who want to spark a new nationalist hatred?" he asked. "Red, black and gold are our colours. They are the symbol of our democracy. Let us never leave them to the despisers of freedom, that I beg of you."
Merkel, Steinmeier and Bundestag President Wolfgang Schauble had all attended Herder Church in Weimar earlier on Wednesday for a service celebrating the centenary.
RESTRICTIONS: News purpose only