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Steinmeier and colleagues: Defend freedom with the EU election
For Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a united Europe is unthinkable without democracy (archive photo). photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
Voter turnout in the European elections is often rather poor. Federal President Steinmeier, together with his Italian and Austrian colleagues, is calling for elections – with a warning.
A united Europe is unthinkable without democracy. “By taking part in the election, the liberal institutions, the rule of law, our fundamental values, our common freedom will be defended.” Voting is a “simple but powerful way to reinforce and consolidate this model.”
In the article, the three presidents emphasize that democracy cannot be taken for granted. “We know that freedom and democracy must be defended and consolidated, that a confrontation of excessive nationalisms leads to war. History teaches that where democracy is lacking, humanity and political reason are stifled.”
The European Parliament elections will take place from June 6th to 9th, and Germany will vote on June 9th. Voter turnout in the European elections is traditionally rather low. In 2019 it was 50.7 percent in the EU. In Germany, 61.4 percent of eligible voters cast their votes, a significantly higher proportion than in previous elections.