German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warns democracy under threat after 'bitter setbacks' since reunification

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered his final German Unity Day speech, using the occasion to issue a public warning regarding the state of the nation's democracy. He characterized the period since reunification as having endured significant challenges, describing the current political climate as suffering from "bitter setbacks."

The address highlighted a perceived erosion of the optimism that defined the reunification era. By framing these developments as a threat to democratic stability, the president underscored a growing concern among leadership regarding the country's social and political cohesion.