Mannheim, Germany – Concerns about the state of democracy in Germany are growing, as evidenced by the increasing visibility of publications like the “Ostdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung,” even in cities like Mannheim. This shift in the media landscape, coupled with anxieties surrounding upcoming elections in eastern Germany, prompted a discussion with former German President Joachim Gauck on the television program hosted by Caren Miosga. The conversation, yet, quickly broadened to encompass global issues, including the conflict in Iran and the role of international powers.
The discussion began with the situation in Iran, where protests against the government are being met with a violent crackdown. Gauck, reflecting on his own experiences with protest movements decades ago, expressed admiration for the courage of Iranian citizens while simultaneously voicing concerns about the prioritization of military power over international law by some global leaders. The question of whether the American-Israeli stance against Iran aligns with international legal norms was raised, prompting Gauck to acknowledge the complexities of such situations.
The Moral Calculus of Intervention
Gauck admitted to grappling with a “rift” when considering the legality of interventions, referencing the Bundeswehr’s involvement in Serbia, which as well deviated from international law but was framed as serving a morally justifiable goal. He posited that any actions bypassing international law must be weighed against the defense of fundamental rights, such as the right to life. Gauck, known for his insightful commentary on contemporary political issues, underscored a core belief: “People do not want to live in dictatorships.” He acknowledged, however, that this sentiment is often based on a “gut feeling” rather than concrete data or surveys.
Putin’s Smile and the Erosion of Trust
Gauck expressed relief at no longer being a member of the German Bundestag, avoiding the difficult task of balancing legal considerations with ethical imperatives. He then offered his perspective on key issues facing Germany, including democratic fatigue, the relationship with Russia, and the need for increased defense capabilities. “We must strengthen ourselves so that the warmongers of this world see where the line is,” Gauck stated, recalling a past encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his “putinesque smile.”
He confessed that he once couldn’t have imagined Germany would face serious concerns about its own democracy. Now, however, anxieties are widespread, shared by media executive Julia Jäkel and author Lukas Rietzschel, who joined Gauck in the discussion. Rietzschel routinely criticized the tendency to link the experiences of eastern Germans with a surge in right-wing populism, instead pointing to issues of representation. He also took aim at career politicians, suggesting they contribute to public disillusionment with democracy. Jäkel, promoted her long-standing initiative for a “functional state,” arguing that creating favorable conditions could draw politically frustrated citizens back into the democratic process. Gauck, however, remained pragmatic, noting that the AfD party continues to find success even in Bavarian communities with well-functioning local governments.
The AfD Phenomenon: Protest or Support?
Gauck also acknowledged differing perspectives between eastern and western Germany, recalling that the former lacked the same experience with the 1968 student movement or large-scale immigration as the west. Rietzschel countered this point by highlighting similar rightward shifts in other European countries. He then ventured into provocative territory, suggesting that the AfD’s appeal lies, at least in part, in its ability to draw people into the democratic system, whether through agreement or opposition. This argument echoed the views of Jörg Baberowski, who, in his book “Am Volk vorbei – Zur Krise der liberalen Demokratie” (“Against the Will of the People – On the Crisis of Liberal Democracy”), suggests that populism can have a revitalizing effect on democracy. However, the conversation was cut short by Jäkel’s focus on the importance of a “functional state,” preventing a deeper exploration of this potentially contentious idea.
“Discoverers” and “Defenders”: A Nation Divided?
Gauck argued that the core problem is a loss of trust. He referenced research from the University of Münster, which identifies two primary types of citizens: “discoverers,” who are innovative and reform-minded, and “defenders,” who value conformity. The dynamic between these two groups, Gauck suggested, shapes the political landscape.
The discussion concluded with a focus on the “functional state,” overshadowing Rietzschel’s provocative point about the AfD and the broader question of what kind of democracy is at risk. Gauck prompted a crucial question: what *kind* of democracy are we worried about losing? Perhaps, he suggested, it’s necessary to be more precise and qualify it as “liberal democracy.” This raises the further question of whether right-wing democracies are even conceivable, bringing the conversation back to the reader of the “Ostdeutsche Allgemeine” in Mannheim, whose editor recently resigned because he couldn’t answer that question in the affirmative.
The broader context of these discussions comes at a time of increasing political polarization and uncertainty in Germany. The rise of the AfD, coupled with concerns about democratic values, has prompted a national conversation about the future of the country. Gauck’s insights, drawing on his experience as president and his deep understanding of German history, offer a valuable contribution to this debate.
Next Up: The German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is scheduled to begin a trip to Latin America on March 16th, 2026, visiting Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico. The focus of the trip will be strengthening relationships with regional partners, promoting democracy and the rule of law, and discussing global challenges.
What are your thoughts on the state of democracy in Germany? Share your opinions in the comments below.
