The Basic Law turns 75 years old on May 23rd and the Federal Constitutional Court is monitoring its compliance. But its president also sees citizens as responsible.
The President of the Federal Constitutional Court, Stephan Harbarth, has appealed to citizens to personally work to preserve democracy. “In the 75th year of the Basic Law, we should all be aware that democracy only works if we get involved ourselves. It is not enough to just comment on democracy from the audience,” Harbarth told the editorial network Germany.
He warned: “Democracy must always be defended and fought for.” It is also part of freedom to withdraw. “But if everyone does that, democracy will be over,” warned Harbarth.
The Basic Law – the German constitution – was passed on May 23, 1949 – 75 years ago. “Our country is going through one of the most difficult phases in its 75-year history,” said Harbarth when asked whether the AfD was undermining democracy – without mentioning the party by name. “Confidence in the functionality of democracy is declining, dissatisfaction is growing, people are turning more to the political fringes and authoritarian leadership models than before.” Harbarth spoke of a bundle of motives and named “disappointment, frustration, economic, social and cultural concerns.”
Democratic processes are not easy and usually not quick, Harbarth admitted and added warningly: “But nothing in German history has failed as badly as the counter-models to democracy.”
Source: Stern
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