Steinmeier's full address Unity, reform and Ukraine

Oct 3

In his complete Bremen Unity Day address, Frank-Walter Steinmeier recalls peaceful reunification in 1990, Helmut Kohl securing the victorious powers' consent, and the October 9, 1989 Leipzig demonstration of 70,000 people after church peace prayers. He credits the demonstrators and opposition footage and describes 1989 as a turning point in his own political life. He says a quarter or more of voters are turning from fundamental republican choices, while affirming every voter's rights and acknowledging uncertainty about individual motives. He asks what governments neglected, calls for respect, employment and greater East German representation in influential positions, and credits shared rebuilding and solidarity. He accepts sharp criticism but rejects extremist denigration. He retains differences from Weimar while warning about radicalization, antisemitism and fabricated images spread by Kremlin trolls, right-wing extremists, left-authoritarian actors and wealthy internet oligarchs. He relates populist support to economic and status fears, globalization and migration concerns, rather than East-West grievances alone. The president should bridge democratic and social differences, he argues, but cannot bridge respect for law and its contempt, truth and lies, or peace and incitement. Recalling earlier crises, he disclaims unsolicited government advice but urges reform, investment, competitiveness, growth and jobs. He says lower refugee arrivals alone have not restored confidence and expects gains to take time. He calls for steadfast Ukraine support and a German political role in shaping European peace, welcomes stronger armed forces and insists military strength and diplomacy are both necessary. He urges defence of liberal institutions, preservation of historical courage and renewal for the next generation. In closing, he describes party discussions and a Federal Convention election in January, urges the future presidency to meet citizens directly, and returns to reunification's hope. His diagnoses, figures, forecasts and prescriptions remain attributed; he announces no enacted reform, aid package or peace settlement.

During his October 3, 2026 Bremen Unity Day address, Steinmeier urges steadfast support for Ukraine's defence and a German political role in shaping future European peace and security. He places the appeal amid Russia's war and other geopolitical pressures and says threats must not cause retreat. He welcomes a stronger Bundeswehr, including public respect, acknowledges that Germany underestimated military needs after 1990, and cautions against making the opposite mistake of disparaging diplomacy. Military strength and diplomatic wisdom are both necessary, he argues, alongside a united Europe, international law and cooperation. He announces no new aid amount, deployment, negotiating meeting or peace agreement.