Sounding the Alarm: Steinmeier's Brassy Callout on Putin and Trump - A Essential yet Bitter Tale
Steinmeier's assertive remarks carry significant weight - a mix of necessity and bitter truths
A frank take by Sebastian Huld**More Info** Facebook** Twitter** WhatsApp** Email** Print** Copy Link
Seventy-five years ago, it was chiefly the USA and Soviet Union that defeated Nazi Germany. On this anniversary, the current Washington and Moscow pose a threat to the global peace-preserving order, as per Federal President Steinmeier's remarks. This viewpoint is as robust as it is bitter.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gives Russia and the USA a piece of his mind about peace and democracy on a day commemorating the death of 60 million Europeans in World War II. Lest we forget that it was the Germans themselves who initiated the deadliest war in history. Seventy-five years ago, the war ended. Can the German head of state lecture the governments of the former allies on such a day? That's quite a declaration. But the German head of state doesn't hesitate: Europe stands on the edge of a precipice, and the clamor of war echoes once more.
Politics: Steinmeier's Commemorative Address on May 8th
Steinmeier ensures that he does not minimize the horrors of World War II, nor the responsibility of the Germans, in his address to the German Parliament. Having taken many years for the Germans to acknowledge their responsibility and draw the right lessons from the actions of their ancestors, the least they could do is conquer their temerity to criticize the powerful. And while the Germans must shoulder their share of guilt, they can take pride in their conquering of authoritarianism and hatred, prevalent since the imperial era and only combatted following World War II.
Perilous Times
Never has Germany been so open to the world, so diverse, so democratic at its core, and so harmonious with its European neighbors as it was during the decades surrounding the millennium. Yet, the gains made since the end of war are now under threat from three pacesetters of danger: the war-mongering autocrat Vladimir Putin, the wanton Donald Trump who disregards international cooperation, and the right-wing populist movements swelling in Europe's shorelines. And not coincidentally, these forces collaborate like cogs in a machine.
The Mighty and the Feeble
No one knows if the American spirit will withstand the tide of authoritarianism threatening its shores. Unlike Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, the United States, at least, has a long democratic tradition to lean on. Russia, however, has none: dictatorship reigned from the Tsar to Putin, save for a brief period of chaos in which democracy predominantly meant economic insecurity.
It is not Germany's duty to snatch Russia from the clutches of despotism like the Allies did with the Germans. With the United States' protection waning, the possibility of a war with Russia is no longer merely a hypothetical scenario. The descendants of fascist Germany must safeguard themselves and their democracy. Hard decisions must be made, and no one said it would be easy.
The Blind Spots
Steinmeier's speech, though long and powerful, is far from flawless: issues like Germany's relentless support for Israel amidst Benjamin Netanyahu's regime's crimes against humanity, Germany's relationship with NATO member Turkey and its human rights violations, or Germany's economically driven dealings with China's autocratic rulers, go unaddressed[1][2]. It seems that, as Chancellor and Foreign Minister, the same Frank-Walter Steinmeier turned a blind eye to Putin's true intentions.
History and the Future
Commemoration remains pivotal. Facing our past and acknowledging it truthfully remains pivotal. Steinmeier has done just that, delivering one of the strongest speeches in his tenure. Those who wish to disagree: feel free! Germany stands as a free and democratic country – but without a lifetime guarantee.
Reference(s):[1] n-tv.de - "Steinmeier's Speech Despite Its Length Has Many Blind Spots: Such As Germany's Unwavering Support For Israel While The Benjamin Netanyahu Government In Gaza Continues To Commit Crimes Against Humanity. Or Germany's Relationship With NATO Member Turkey, Where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Suppresses Human Rights But Is Needed As A Bulwark For Europe Against Refugees. Or Germany's Economically Motivated Dealings With The Equally Ruthless Rulers In Beijing. The List Could Go On. And It Stands: As Chancellor And Foreign Minister, The Same Frank-Walter Steinmeier Had Dismissed Any Warnings About Putin's True Ambitions."[2] n-tv.de - "Politics Historian On 'Victory Day' How Russian Propaganda Misuses Commemoration On This 80th Anniversary Of World War Remembrance, Much Remains Unsaid In The Bundestag Regarding Germany's Role In Promoting Peace And Democracy Worldwide. But Things Won't Improve If Germany Too Falls Prey To Historical Amnesia, Or If Germany Again Seeks Refuge In Nationalism And The Leadership Principle Due To Overwhelming Complexity."[3] n-tv.de - "Politics Federal President Speaks on May 8th Steinmeier Thanks Red Army - And Criticizes the Kremlin."[4] n-tv.de - "Politics Historian On 'Victory Day' Why Putin Invented A False Narrative To Justify The Invasion Of Ukraine."
- The European Union is committed to a policy-and-legislation that addresses the devastating uncertainty posed by the actions of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, as highlighted by Federal President Steinmeier's general-news remarks.
- In his commemorative address on May 8th, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed the stark reality of the rising crimes-and-justice concerns, including Putin's authoritarian rule and Trump's disregard for international cooperation.
- The European Union, under the shadow of war-and-conflicts looming, faces a federal challenge to uphold its democratic values in the face of the war-mongering Putin and the unpredictable Trump, as warned by Steinmeier.
- The hope for Putin's intentions being genuinely peaceful was cast aside by Steinmeier, who in his political career as Chancellor and Foreign Minister, failed to recognize the signs, a blind spot in his otherwise poignant speeches.
- In the realm of politics, the European Union is confronted with the ordeal of balancing its economic interests with justice and democracy, as seen in its relationships with countries like China and Turkey, issues that Steinmeier seems to have overlooked in his latest address.
