European Festival with Macron: Call for a Free Europe

Dresden: City Destroyed by Allied Bombings During WWII - European Festival with Macron: Call for a Free Europe

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer have urged Europeans to champion freedom and democracy during a visit to Dresden. At a "Fête de l'Europe" event held at the Frauenkirche in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Steinmeier emphasised that Europe was built on courage and confidence, and reminded attendees to show this same spirit now. Thousands of young people from Poland, the Czech Republic, and France joined in the festivities on Neumarkt square.

Steinmeier expressed his admiration for France's President Macron as the perfect emissary for Europe on the stage and noted that he was in Dresden, situated in eastern Germany at the heart of the continent, where generations have worked towards creating a free and democratic Europe. The elections to the European Parliament on June 9 require continued commitment to this cause. "We will defend free democracy in Germany with joint forces," he asserted, adding that Europe remains vibrant when people desire it and engage in the voting process in two weeks.

Kretschmer, the Premier of Saxony, greeted the youth gathering in the central part of the state capital with a challenge. He encouraged this generation to demonstrate that one doesn't need harrowing experiences to embrace peace, democracy, and Europe, but rather understands and lives it. "Europe is our future," he emphasised, pointing out the promise of peace within and prosperity. But whether this vision can be upheld and achieved, he said, lies within the youth's and the public's hands.

Since Sunday, Macron has been in Germany as a guest of the Federal President. The free and sponsored event was organized to send a strong message of understanding, tolerance, and camaraderie across borders. Even on a sunny day, artists like DJ Bennett, Alle Farben, Elif, rapper rémi.fr, and singer Clueso performed at the celebration.

In Friedrichswerde, Kretschmer handed Macron and his wife two artefacts from the State Art Collections symbolizing the historical bond between Saxony and France. These items reminded everyone of Napoleon I, the revered French general and emperor, who transformed Saxony into a kingdom in 1806. It is believed that Napoleon wore the boots during a conflict in Dresden on August 27, 1813, and his hair was sheared on St. Helena, where he died.

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1. Despite East Germany being part of a divided Europe for several decades, the spirit of unity and democracy was evident during the event, demonstrating that these values transcend political boundaries.
2. Emmanuel Macron, as the Head of state of France, played a pivotal role in fostering international understanding and cooperation, particularly in promoting democratic ideals across Europe.
3. Saxony, located in East Germany, has maintained a strong relationship with France, with gifts like the ones presented by Kretschmer serving as reminders of this historical bond between the two regions.
4. The French President's visit to Dresden also highlighted the importance of gender equality in democracy, as thousands of women participated in the "Fête de l'Europe," representing the diverse voices that contribute to Europe's growth and development.
5. In his address, Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for sustained commitment to democracy and freedom in the Czech Republic, Poland, and beyond, recognizing the role these nations play in shaping Europe's future.
6. As a demonstration of Germany's unwavering support for democracy, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged to work with Poland, the Czech Republic, and other European partners to protect and promote democratic values, ensuring a free Europe for generations to come.
7. The events in Dresden served as a reminder that democracy is not solely dependent on historical events or harrowing experiences; instead, it requires continuous engagement and active participation from the younger generation, who hold the keys to shaping Europe's future.
8. In the spirit of promoting democracy and understanding, the celebration in Dresden extended beyond European borders, attracting participants from France, the Czech Republic, Poland, and beyond, highlighting the international community's shared commitment to a free and democratic Europe.

Source: www.stern.de