Germany marks 75th anniversary of end of WWII

BERLIN

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on citizens to more actively support liberal and democratic values amid the rise of xenophobic movements and far-nationalist parties across Europe.

Speaking at a ceremony in Berlin to commemorate victims of the Nazi regime, Steinmeier underlined that the surrender of the Nazi dictatorship 75 years ago today was a liberation for Germany and the continent.

“In 1945 we were liberated. Today, we must liberate ourselves. From the temptations of a new brand of nationalism. From a fascination with authoritarianism. From distrust, isolationism and hostility between nations,” he said.

Steinmeier went on saying: “From hatred and hate speech, from xenophobia and contempt for democracy -- for they are nothing but the old evil in a new guise. On this May 8, we also commemorate the victims of Hanau, of Halle and Kassel. They have not been forgotten in the midst of COVID-19.”

Steinmeier underlined that preserving freedom and democracy remains a never-ending task for all the citizens.

“75 years after the end of the war, we Germans have much to be thankful for. But none of the positive achievements since that date are safe in perpetuity,” he stressed.

Germany has witnessed growing racism and xenophobia in recent years, fueled by propaganda of neo-Nazi groups and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Far-right extremists killed a pro-refugee politician in Kassel, and attacked a synagogue in Halle last year, raising the alarm for extreme right-wing terrorism.

In February this year, a far-right extremist attacked two cafes in Hanau, killing nine people with migration backgrounds.

Friday’s commemorations in Berlin to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the World War II were scaled down due to the coronavirus outbreak and the consequent social distancing rules.

Chancellor Angela Merkel also attended the commemorations, together with Steinmeier and parliament speaker Wolfgang Schaeuble, who laid a wreath at the Neue Wache, the central memorial for the victims of war and dictatorship.