Steinmeier to Challenge Russian "Historical Fabrications" in His 8th of May Discourse - Steinmeier to Repudiate Russian "Historical Distortions" in His Speech on May 8th
Speaker Steinmeier to Debunk Russian historian inaccuracies on 8th May Address
Get ready for some fireworks, as Frank-Walter Steinmeier takes center stage at the Bundestag's commemorative event in Berlin this Thursday. The prep for his speech has been nothing short of intense, with months of hard work behind the scenes. However, with the anniversary creating a bit of a pickle, things have gotten a tad tricky.
In his address, Steinmeier will take a swing at Russia'sArgument that their assault on Ukraine is simply a continuation of the tradition of combating fascism. This stance is likely to be reinforced by the Kremlin during upcoming victory celebrations in Russia. Steinmeier will make it crystal clear that he won't go along with this narrative.
"War against Ukraine is not a continuation of the fight against fascism," Steinmeier is expected to say, according to his drafted speech. "Putin's aggression, his campaign against a free, democratic nation, has nothing in common with the struggle against Nazi Germany's tyranny during World War II."
Steinmeier labels this as a "historical fallacy" that's no more than "a veiled attempt at imperial lunacy, grave injustice, and grave crimes." The Federal President's office has also voiced their support for the Bundestag's decision not to invite the Russian ambassador to the commemorative event.
Steinmeier isn't done there, oh no! He'll also raise a few points about the liberation of Auschwitz, which is part of Ukraine's rich historical legacy. "We must make this crystal clear to counter the Kremlin's historical manipulations," the Federal President's office said.
On top of these themes, Steinmeier's speech will address two other key issues: the U.S.'s departure from the Western values community and the foundations of international law, which Steinmeier refers to as "America's betrayal of values" in his draft. He'll also take a look at the rise of radical right and nationalist forces in Germany and elsewhere.
Steinmeier will deliver his speech in the Bundestag on Thursday, within spitting distance of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) faction, which has more than doubled in size since the last election and is now the largest opposition faction.
"The Federal President is well aware of who's seated in front of him," said a source close to his entourage. "However, he won't call out any parties by name, as this isn't typical of Federal Presidents. Nevertheless, rest assured, different political forces will likely feel the heat."
In his draft, Steinmeier warns against ignoring the lessons of history. "Why should we have to suffer the bitter consequences of a lesson already learned in our German past?" it reads. "We know where isolationism, aggressive nationalism, and scorn for democratic institutions can lead."
As for the 8th of May being a "day of liberation and the start of a new, better world," said EKD Council Chair Kirsten Fehrs and Chairman of the German Bishop's Conference, Georg Bätzing, in a joint statement.
BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht, however, has urged German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to make a trip to Moscow for the celebrations honoring the victory over Nazi Germany. "This would not only be a fitting tribute, but also a powerful symbol of respect and gratitude," she said to AFP. "Simultaneously, Germany could assert itself again as a significant player in global diplomacy."
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his forthcoming speech on May 8, will refute the Russian argument that their actions against Ukraine are a continuation of fighting fascism, calling it a historical fallacy and a veiled attempt at imperial lunacy.
- During the event, Steinmeier is expected to voice his disapproval of Putin's aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing that it has no connection to the struggle against Nazi Germany's tyranny during the Second World War.
- The Federal President will also highlight the importance of remembering history, warning against ignoring its lessons, particularly the consequences of isolationism, aggressive nationalism, and disregard for democratic institutions.
- In a broader context, Steinmeier's speech will touch upon the U.S.'s departure from the Western values community and the foundations of international law, which he refers to as "America's betrayal of values."
- The Federal President, in his draft, has also expressed concern about the rise of radical right and nationalist forces in Germany and beyond, though he's unlikely to name parties directly in his speech.
