Take people’s concerns seriously
Steinmeier urges traffic lights and the opposition to work together
January 24, 2024, 8:55 p.m
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At the weekend, almost a million people took to the streets across the country to demonstrate against right-wing extremism and for democracy. Federal President Steinmeier warns political actors against losing contact with the population and appeals for more cooperation from political decision-makers.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appeals to the federal government and the opposition to explore more common interests in view of the current challenges. The tens of thousands of demonstrations against the right in Germany are also “a wake-up call to the democratic center,” Steinmeier told “Tagesthemen”. The show is scheduled to air in the evening. At the same time, he warned those responsible to take people’s problems and concerns seriously. “Listen, go, that’s the message I can give to those in charge.”
Steinmeier is on a state visit to Vietnam and will continue his trip abroad in Thailand on Thursday. He had previously warned of damage to the economy as a result of debates in right-wing circles about pushing foreigners out of Germany. The Federal President said on ARD that he noticed a lot of irritation abroad. “But I’m quite sure that the demonstrations that took place over the weekend are also a credible counter-message.” Unfortunately, greater polarization of societies is currently also a problem in other countries. Steinmeier named the Netherlands, France, Italy and the USA. “We have to counteract this.”