Germany is facing a “test,” says Chancellor Scholz – and warns of extremists who are poisoning every democratic debate.
With regard to the farmers’ protests, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for “moderation” and warned of a “toxic mixture”. The SPD politician said in a video message “Kanzler Kompakt” that was distributed on Saturday: “If protests that are legitimate in themselves turn over – and generally in anger or disregard for democratic processes and institutions, then we all lose. Only those who will benefit will then who despise our democracy.”
Calls for violence and personal threats have no place in democracy, said Scholz: “Gallows are not arguments. Political opponents are not ‘full-heads,'” said Scholz. “Especially in times as stressful and unsettling as today, it is important to maintain moderation and balance – that should be a concern for all Democrats.”
Thousands of farmers are expected in the capital on Monday at the climax of the farmers’ action week. The farmers’ protests are directed against planned subsidy cuts by the federal government. Accordingly, the tax relief for agricultural diesel should be gradually abolished. The fact that the government coalition has withdrawn part of its austerity plans is not enough for the German Farmers’ Association.
Scholz defended the federal government’s decision. Democracy thrives on compromise, said the Chancellor. But Germany is facing a “test”. Anger is deliberately fueled. “With gigantic reach, extremists use social media to contempt every compromise and poison every democratic debate. This is a toxic mixture that has to worry us and that also concerns me very much.”
Source: Stern
