Chialo calls for commitment to democracy
At a central naturalization ceremony in Berlin, Senator for Culture Joe Chialo (CDU) appealed to the responsibility of each individual to stand up for democracy. Those who live in Berlin are confronted with evidence of an eventful history, said Chialo in the House of Representatives on Thursday evening. The darkest years of German history - the Nazi dictatorship from 1933 to 1945 - have given rise to a responsibility towards current and future generations to work for a democratic country and peaceful coexistence.
The President of the House of Representatives, Cornelia Seibeld, welcomed around 90 people to the ceremony on Thursday, including new Berliners and relatives. As a rule, the districts organize such naturalization ceremonies. However, around ten years ago, the House of Representatives decided to welcome newly naturalized citizens once a year. In 2022, 8875 foreigners were naturalized as Germans in the capital.
"Through my own biography, I know what it's like to move between two worlds," said Chialo. As the son of a Tanzanian diplomat family, he was born in Bonn, but only came to Germany for good at the age of nine. With a lot of commitment and determination, you can achieve almost anything in Germany.
"And believe me - often enough I had to learn that as a black person in Germany I had to work harder and fight harder, be more than twice as good as my neighbor, to prove my values and also my personal worth." However, he also received help just as often, without which he would not be where he is today, said Chialo. As a citizen of the country, you are no longer on the outside, but right in the middle, emphasized the Senator for Culture.
In the House of Representatives, Senator Chialo noted the responsibility of Germany to provide shelter and opportunities for refugees, given its past history of migration and intolerance. During his speech, he highlighted the importance of integrating refugees into German society, ensuring they become active contributors to democracy.
Source: www.dpa.com
