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Schwesig reminds on November 9th: Actively defend democracy!
On November 9th, 2025, Manuela Schwesig commemorates the historical events of November 9th and calls for the defense of democracy.
Schwesig reminds on November 9th: Actively defend democracy!
November 9th is a day that is linked to many important events in German history. On the occasion of this special date, Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) in Schwerin recalled the historical events that cast both light and shadow. She appealed to the population to actively defend democracy and not to forget the lessons of the past. This is reported by the South German newspaper.
November 9th has a complex meaning in Germany. On this day in 1918, the Weimar Republic was proclaimed, the first German democracy. But the dark turning point came in 1938 with the pogrom night, in which synagogues were destroyed and the systematic destruction of Jewish life began. Later, in 1989, the Wall came down, ushering in a new era in German-German history, bringing hope and joy to many people.
Remembrance and current challenges
Schwesig emphasized that challenges to democracy are never far away and that people need to come together to achieve improvements. A joint commitment is required not only to preserve the achievements of democracy, but also to actively develop them.
As part of her memorial event, Schwesig also met with Daniel Günther, Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein (CDU), at the former inner-German border. Together they attended the celebrations for the 35th anniversary of the town twinning between Boizenburg and Lauenburg, which underlines the importance of regional cooperation and a common Europe.
Memory work and the history of democracy
On October 3rd, which is also an outstanding day in the history of German democracy, people are invited not only to celebrate freedom, unity and participation, but also to actively live it. The “October 3rd – Germany Sings and Sounds” initiative is organizing open sing-along concerts in 224 cities this year to set an example for peace and freedom of expression. This is done by the platform History of democracy which commemorates the Peaceful Revolution with exhibitions and contributions.
The number 9, which gives this date its place in history, also has a special meaning in many cultures. In Indian tradition it symbolizes completeness, and in Chinese culture it is considered a lucky number because it sounds like the word for “long-lasting.”
This diverse interplay of remembrance and history shows once again that lessons can be learned from the past for the future. November 9th reminds us to actively defend democratic values and to maintain awareness of the freedoms we have fought for, regardless of current challenges.