Frank-Walter Steinmeier needed only one vote to be re-elected Federal President by an overwhelming majority in the Federal Assembly, and his winning speech was dedicated to defending democracy but also to the risk of military conflict in Europe.
With 1,045 votes out of a total of 1,425 valid votes cast, 86 abstentions and 12 invalid votes, Steinmeier confirmed his role as the frontrunner, as his candidacy was supported by the ruling coalition parties (SPD, Greens, FDP) and the Christian Union (CDU / CSU). ). He needed 737 votes.
“Confidence in democracy is nothing more than confidence in ourselves,” he said in a victory speech to those who may have been discouraged at the outset. institutions and free media, “he said.” The pandemic has left deep scars on our society. “I want to help them heal,” he said, adding that “we must not give in to the pandemic better than democratic societies.” “Were not the self-appointed powerful men around the world demystified in this crisis, or were the emperors ultimately naked with their conspiracy theories?”
Regarding his second term, the re-elected President assured that he will be above parties, “but not neutral in matters of democracy”. Whoever fights for democracy, will have me by his side, he said characteristically and promised to handle the “gift” of his new term “with care and respect”.
Referring to the Ukrainian crisis, Steinmeier warned that “peace can not be taken for granted” and added that “we are in danger of a military conflict in Europe and Russia is responsible for it.” “Where all power is concentrated in one hand, an assembly like the one here is despised as an indifferent ceremony. There, democratic processes are considered a weakness. But I can only warn President Putin: Do not underestimate the power of democracy! Loosen the noose from the neck of Ukraine! “And look with us for a way to keep the peace in Europe!”
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
