Justice
Buschmann: More community and constitutional patriotism
Buschmann believes that Germans sometimes lack a sense of community. Photo
© Uli Deck/dpa
The Basic Law is 75 years old. The Federal Minister of Justice would like to see more appreciation for the constitution and democracy. But he rejects one idea.
Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann wishes for the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law gives more appreciation for the constitution and democracy in Germany. “You don’t have to like everything that happens in our country. Criticism of politics is part of democracy. But our constitution as a political framework has ensured the most free and prosperous state we have ever had,” said the FDP politician “Rhineland Post”. He recommends that those who question democracy take a look at the world: “They wouldn’t be able to live better in any authoritarian state.”
“A dash more constitutional patriotism would do us good,” added Buschmann. Germans sometimes lack a sense of community. “We should build a stronger, positive feeling towards the democratic state and its institutions.”
With a state ceremony today, the leaders of the state and society are celebrating the entry into force of the Basic Law 75 years ago. May 23, 1949 also marks the founding date of the Federal Republic of Germany. Buschmann said he is generally sympathetic to proposals to make May 23rd a public holiday. “But more public holidays don’t fit into the time economically. You would then have to answer the question of which other holiday you wanted to abolish instead.”
The Federal Constitutional Court is the guardian of the Basic Law. The traffic light coalition and the Union are currently discussing how to better protect it from possible access by populists and enemies of democracy. “The talks between the coalition and the Union are serious and trusting. My hope is that in the summer we will present a list of proposals on what we jointly believe should be done,” said Buschmann. The process of amending the Basic Law could be completed by the end of the year.