On the 75th anniversary of the promulgation of Germany's de facto constitution, the Basic Law, the leader of the country's upper house has defended the federal system enshrined in it against criticism.
The 16 federal states and the upper house, or Bundesrat, are a counterweight to an overly strong federal government, Bundesrat President Manuela Schwesig said in the chamber on Friday.
At the same time, they work constructively on federal legislation. "And that has proved its worth," said Schwesig, who is also premier of the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
"People often complain about how complicated and perhaps too lengthy the democratic processes in Germany are. But there are historical reasons why decisions are not made by one person alone, but by many," said Schwesig.
The Social Democrat (SPD) politician warned that living in peace, freedom and democracy today should not be taken for granted. "Even after 75 years, there are forces that do not stand on the ground of the liberal democratic basic order. And they are becoming more open again."
Schwesig referred to hatred and hate speech on the internet and the recent attacks on politicians and volunteers. Violence should never be a means of political debate, she said. "We must protect our democracy," said Schwesig.
