Germany commemorates 80 years since the end of World War II with a call to defend democracy

Berlin, May 8, 2025 – Germany commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a solemn ceremony in the Bundestag on Thursday. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered a moving speech in which he warned of current threats to democracy and recalled the lessons of the past.

"We have already lost democracy in Germany once," Steinmeier declared, referring to the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. He urged citizens not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to actively defend democratic values.

The president emphasized that the international order based on the rule of law, established after the devastation of war, is being challenged. He noted that isolationism, aggressive nationalism, and disregard for democratic institutions are resurfacing, not only in Europe but also in other parts of the world.

In his speech, Steinmeier expressed his "deep gratitude" to the Allied soldiers and resistance movements that contributed to the defeat of the Nazi regime. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Red Army, although he rejected the Kremlin's "historical lies" that justify the invasion of Ukraine as a continuation of the fight against fascism.

The German president stressed the importance of remembering and learning from history, especially in times when populist and extremist temptations are gaining ground. He warned that in Germany, extremist forces are growing stronger, mocking democratic institutions and their representatives.

The commemoration also included events in other European cities, such as Paris and London, where leaders stressed the need to keep historical memory alive and defend democratic values ​​in the face of current challenges.