Place of worship Paraphrase: House of religious devotion - Göring-Eckardt emphasizes the increase in dedication to democracy.
Vice President of Germany's parliament, Katrin Göring-Eckardt, has observed a surge in support for democracy in Eastern Germany. She stated at the German Catholic Day in Erfurt on Saturday that previously, people were hesitant to discuss politics due to the lack of clarity over their neighbors' views. "However, things have changed dramatically since January," she continued.
Ever since this time, not only have demonstrations for democracy taken place in the heart of Berlin, but also in areas like Thuringia's Sonneberg, even when a pro-AfD official was elected as a district head. Göring-Eckardt viewed this as a sign of bravery and a sign of empowerment for democracy. She noted that fighting against the multitude of false claims - purposely spread as part of a hybrid warfare strategy - is difficult.
Göring-Eckardt urged citizens from both East and West to venture into small towns and initiate face-to-face conversations - a strategy that would promote German unity as well as safeguard the precious democracy that was so passionately fought for 35 years ago.
During a panel discussion labeled "Germany, one fatherland?", Göring-Eckardt conversed with former ZDF journalist Peter Frey and former Thuringian Center for Political Education head, Franz-Josef Schlichting. Both emphasised the need to minimize the distinctions between East and West, warning that differences might be exploited for "split narratives". Schlichting added that the topic of East and West had no significance for him at all. Frey and Göring-Eckardt, both, agreed that conflicts were largely manufactured.
Nevertheless, Göring-Eckardt viewed this conversation as a chance to emphasise the importance of liberty - a significant asset that deserves to be guarded. She expressed optimism, citing the increasing number of individuals who are actively taking part in this battle. "I'm making the effort to join in as well," she concluded.
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- Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a prominent figure in the Bundestag representing Germany, observed a notable rise in support for democracy in the eastern regions, specifically in areas like Sonneberg, Thuringia.
- At the German Catholic Day in Erfurt, Göring-Eckardt highlighted the transformation in Eastern Germany, where earlier, discussions around politics were avoided due to uncertainty about neighbors' views.
- Despite the election of an AfD official as a district head in Thuringia, demonstrations for democracy continued in Sonneberg and the heart of Berlin, symbolizing courage and empowerment for democracy.
- During a panel discussion in Berlin, Göring-Eckardt, a representative from East Germany, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between East and West, as division could be manipulated for "split narratives."
- Göring-Eckardt, who hails from East Germany, emphasized the significance of freedom, a treasure that needs protection, and expressed optimism with the increasing number of individuals actively participating in defending democracy.
- In her home city of Berlin, Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a member of the Church, participated in a lively debate at the Catholic Day in Erfurt, Thuringia, reiterating the importance of preserving democracy and advocating for unity throughout Germany.