Lindner complains about West Germans' "lowering" view of East Germany
FDP leader Christian Lindner laments a patronizing view of many West Germans and the media towards East Germany. There's an attitude of condescension and the belief that one must explain democracy to the people in the East, he said during a campaign appearance in Chemnitz.
He noted that it was the people there who, in 1989, toppled the wall with their desire for freedom and democracy. "I believe that many citizens in East Germany have a keener sense when it comes to the restriction of freedom and freedom of speech," Lindner said.
Lindner acknowledged that there is racism and xenophobia in Saxony. "But that's not representative of this strong state," he emphasized. While Germany has experienced a loss of control in immigration since 2015, a turnaround has been achieved, and more steps are needed.
Elections for a new state parliament will take place in Saxony and Thuringia on September 1, and in Brandenburg on September 22. Currently, the FDP is only represented in the state parliament in Thuringia among the three states.
Lindner pointed out that East Germans were the ones who actively fought for their freedom and democracy in 1989, challenging the common misconception that democracy needed to be explained to them. Despite the presence of racism and xenophobia in Saxony, Lindner highlighted the strength and resilience of the East German citizens.
