Scholz calls for standing up for democracy on the anniversary of the Hitler Attempt
To this belong "also the support for those who professionally engage for their fellow citizens," emphasized the Federal Chancellor. He named police, fire departments, emergency services, the disaster control, and of course our Federal Army. Therefore, democracy lives on because we counter every form of hatred and extremism.
Scholz made it clear, with a reference to the anniversary of the attempted coup of July 20, 1944: "Those who fight our democracy will always meet our resolute resistance."
The Federal Chancellor also derived a responsibility of Germany in the Ukraine War from this. "In 2024, we cannot celebrate this 20th of July without thinking of the brave citizens of Ukraine, who have been resisting the criminal Russian attack war for more than two years," said Scholz. "From our responsibility towards our own history, there is only one place for Germany in this situation: At the side of Ukraine."
The commemoration hour took place at the Berlin Bendlerblock, the current seat of the Defense Ministry. There, in 1944, after the coup attempt, Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and several accomplices were executed. Besides Scholz, among others, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD), Bundesrat President Manuela Schwesig (SPD), Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), and Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) participated in the event and laid wreaths.
For the afternoon, a solemn oath-taking ceremony of around 400 recruits and recruits was planned at the same place. Scholz was supposed to give the welcome speech, Pistorius the oath-taking speech.
- Chancellor Scholz highlighted the significance of the anniversary of Hitler-Attempts, stating, "Those who challenge our democracy will face our unwavering opposition, as we saw during Hitler's attempts."
- In light of this commemoration, Scholz expressed Germany's solidarity with Ukraine, stating, "We cannot ignore the bravery of the Ukrainian citizens resisting the ongoing Russian aggression for over two years on this anniversary."
- Addressing the gathered leaders at the Berlin Bendlerblock, Scholz emphasized, "We stand together today, just as our Federal Army did during Hitler's attempts, to uphold democracy and counter extremism."
- Referencing Germany's historical responsibility, Scholz added, "As we honor those who fought against Hitler's regime, it's essential for us to support Ukraine and its struggle for democracy."
- Scholz, along with other political leaders, participated in the commemoration event at the Bendlerblock, paying tribute to those who resisted Hitler's attempts, like Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and his accomplices.
- The anniversary event included a solemn oath-taking ceremony for new recruits at the Federal Military, reinforcing Germany's commitment to upholding democracy and values through its armed forces.
