The German capital has one honorary citizen. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was honored in a ceremony in the Rotes Rathaus.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is an honorary citizen of Berlin. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Michael Müller (SPD) praised Steinmeier’s commitment to democracy and his efforts to get people excited about the culture of democratic dispute.
Steinmeier accepted the certificate with which he was granted honorary citizenship at a ceremony in the Rotes Rathaus. In his acceptance speech, the head of state recalled visits to Berlin during his student days, long waits at the GDR border, cafes and pubs in Kreuzberg, the turning point of 1989/90 and the move of the federal government to Berlin.
Steinmeier has lived in Berlin for 21 years. The city has long been home to him and his family. «It wasn’t difficult. Berlin is known to be tolerant of newcomers, ”he said. Berlin is characterized by openness, not excluding the foreign, the other, the new, but rather absorbing it curiously. As Federal President, he is happy and grateful for how lively, diverse and gripping democracy is in Berlin.
Not everything always works out in the capital, admitted the new honorary citizen of Berlin. “But one thing is also true: if it doesn’t work out, everyone in this city who doesn’t actively listen away will notice it – and the whole of Berlin will be discussing it.”
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