Foreign Minister Baerbock Warns Against Division in Democratic Society in Wake of Munich Attack
BERLIN/PARIS (dpa) – German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has issued a strong warning against the division of democratic society amid the escalating tensions and challenges both domestically and internationally, following the suspected terror attack in Munich.
During a visit to the French capital, Paris, Baerbock emphasized the crucial importance of unity and resilience in the face of threats. "We must stand together as democrats, both in our own country and abroad," she said. "We must not allow ourselves to be divided, neither by right-wing extremists nor by Islamists who seek to undermine our rule of law from within."
The comments come after a suspected terror attack in Munich on Friday, where a car was driven into a group of protesters, injuring several people. According to police, the suspect is a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan.
Baerbock expressed her heartfelt concern for the victims, stating that the most important aspect now is for the severely injured to recover as swiftly as possible. She also acknowledged the ongoing investigation and the need to establish the full extent of what transpired.
The suspected Munich attack has sent shockwaves through Germany and raised questions about the security of the country’s asylum system. Critics have pointed to the fact that the suspect was known to authorities for previous violent offenses, raising concerns about potential security gaps.
In response, Baerbock stressed the need for a rigorous examination of the incident. "We must thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this act and draw the necessary conclusions," she said. "We cannot tolerate those who abuse our hospitality and our asylum system to carry out violence."
The foreign minister also highlighted the broader challenges facing democratic societies around the world, including the rise of extremism and the erosion of trust in institutions. She emphasized the importance of robust democratic institutions, a free and independent press, and a strong civil society as essential pillars for combating these threats.
"We must not allow fear and division to prevail," Baerbock said. "We must stand up for our values, for human rights, and for the rule of law. Together, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger as a democratic society."
Baerbock’s remarks resonated with many observers, who saw them as a timely reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. They urged all political actors to put aside their differences and work collectively to address the pressing challenges facing Germany and the world.
