Merz: Buying a Christmas tree is a leading German culture
The CDU is once again talking about Leitkultur. This should include elementary things such as respect for fundamental and human rights, respect for the rule of law and tolerance. For party leader Merz, however, this is not enough.
CDU party leader Friedrich Merz considers the purchase of a Christmas tree to be part of the German Leitkultur. "When we talk about Leitkultur, about our way of life, then for me it includes buying a Christmas tree before Christmas," Merz told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers. "It's the kind of cultural identity shaped by the Christian Occident that is passed down through generations, that our children are shaped by and that they then pass on in one way or another themselves." In Germany, the custom of putting up a conifer decorated with candles at Christmas has been widespread for over 150 years.
For him, however, religious freedom in the broadest sense is also part of the dominant culture, added Merz. "I'm a little surprised that it's obviously a problem for many people when we say it like that."
A week and a half ago, the CDU presented the draft for its fourth basic program , with which it wants to return to government responsibility in the federal government. The topics of integration and migration feature prominently. The CDU calls for "the courage to embrace a guiding culture": "Only those who are committed to our guiding culture can integrate and become German citizens," the document states. The CDU's guiding culture includes respect for the dignity of every individual, the rule of law, respect and tolerance, the "awareness of home and belonging" and recognition of Israel's right to exist.
The term "German Leitkultur" was first coined by CDU interior politician Jörg Schönbohm in 1998. However, it did not trigger a broad public debate until two years later, when Merz used it in connection with a change in immigration law.
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Friedrich Merz, in his role as CDU party leader, views the purchase of a Christmas tree as an integral part of the German Leitkultur, echoing his earlier statement on the subject. Moreover, Merz emphasizes that religious freedom is also a crucial component of the dominant culture, sparking surprise in some for its inclusion in discussions about German identity.
Source: www.ntv.de
