Embracing Unity, Not Strife - Söder Salutes the Sudeten Germans
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Restitution Over Retribution - Söder Honors the Sudeten Germans (Alternative Phrase): Söder Favors Reconciliation with Sudeten Germans Over Retribution - Promoting Compassion Over Retaliation - Söder Champions for the Sudeten Germans
Sudeten German Landsmannschaft bestows the European Karlspreis upon Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) during Regensburg's Sudeten German Day rally. According to Bernd Posselt, Landsmannschaft's speaker, Söder's unwavering support for the organization highlights his commitment to peace and unity.
Söder, in return, extolled the Landsmannschaft as the nation's most significant peace movement, stressing that "Sudeten Germans are fellow countrymen, and that entails special responsibility." As he emphasized, the expelled Sudeten Germans never sought retaliation but reconciliation and unity.
The prize ceremony took place on the main rally day for the 75th anniversary of the Sudeten German Day, a traditional three-day event commencing at Pentecost. This year, the event showcased the motto "Learn from War and Expulsion. Uphold Peace and Freedom." The Landsmannschaft's primary concern is fostering and strengthening bonds between Germany and the Czech Republic.
Söder acknowledged that expulsion's repercussions are incomprehensible, stating that, "A life lodged within a suitcase." Upon arrival in Germany, the expellees did not always receive a warm welcome, he said, inferring to the integration of the expulsees in post-war Germany. He expressed gratitude towards the selfless deeds of a whole generation that had arrived with nothing but bestowed much upon the nation.
He underlined the commonalities between the countries, even as far as culinary tastes, adding, "After all, there are few vegan havens in the Czech Republic either." Söder highlighted the importance of sustaining and growing the bond between countries, which includes preserving cultural identity, promoting language, and improving train connections to Prague.
Laudator Posselt applauded Söder's efforts to foster understanding among peoples, advance a just order in Central Europe, and combat nationalism in Europe for over 30 years. He deemed Söder's contributions immense. Posselt cautioned against nationalism and self-interest in Europe.
The Karlspreis honors individuals who have made remarkable strides in fostering understanding, unity, and peace. The award originates from Emperor Charles IV (1316-1378). Previous Karlspreis recipients include former President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker (2024) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj (2022).
After World War II, Sudeten Germans were expelled from the then Czechoslovakia. Many relocated to Bavaria and hold significance as the fourth pillar of Bavaria next to the Old Bavarians, the Franconians, and the Swabians.
Meanwhile, in Dinkelsbühl, approximately 3,000 Transylvanian Saxons gathered for the traditional Pentecost meeting. Romanian social minister Ulrike Scharf (CSU) underscored the indispensable role of democracy, dialogue, and united Europe during her speech. The Transylvanian Saxons have displayed a commendable model in their work towards interethnic harmony, also serving as bridges to Romania.
Transylvania, now a part of Romania, is the home to just about 20,000 ethnic Germans today. Most Transylvanian Saxons have since immigrated to Germany or other countries.
- Markus Söder
- Sudeten German Day
- Laudator Bernd Posselt
- Bavaria
- Peace movement
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Regensburg
- World War II Expulsion
- Transylvanian Saxons
- Markus Söder, the recipient of the European Karlspreis, emphasized during the Sudeten German Day rally that the Sudeten Germans are fellow countrymen with a special responsibility, highlighting his support for the Germany-Czech Republic peace movement and his advocacy against retaliation but for reconciliation and unity.
- The politics surrounding the expulsion of Sudeten Germans during World War II, as well as the current efforts to foster understanding and peace between Germany and the Czech Republic, are important topics under the policy-and-legislation and general-news categories.
