Germany’s leaders gathered in the northern city of Bremen for official festivities marking 36 years since East and West Germany were reunited.
Image: Focke Strangmann/dpa/picture alliance
At the start of official events on German Unity Day, the country’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed the Golden Book of Bremen, a historic volume with signatures and messages from distinguished guests visiting the city. Other important figures, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also signed the book. Afterwards, a procession moved from Bremen’s town hall to its cathedral.
Image: Moritz Frankenberg/dpa/picture alliance
A service took place in one of Bremen’s famous landmarks: St. Peter’s cathedral. In the first row (from left to right) were Hubertus van Megen, the Vatican’s ambassador to Berlin, Charlotte Merz, wife of Chancellor Merz and the Chancellor himself, Julia Klöckner, President of the Bundestag, Elke Büdenbender wife of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Steinmeier himself.
Image: Chris Emil Janßen/IMAGO
After the church service it was time for politics. President Steinmeier spoke at the Die Glocke (or “the Bell”), a famous art-deco concert hall in Bremen. He spoke about democracy and called for more urgent action against extremism. Steinmeier received a standing ovation for his approximately 50-minute-long speech.
Image: Sina Schuldt/dpa/picture alliance
The day before, hundreds had gathered in Bremen’s center to protest against nationalism and social cuts. In his speech on Unity Day, President Steinmeier said, “a new German nationalism awakens the ghosts of the past and the worst fears among our neighbors. […] Never again should we give rise to such fears.” He also highlighted democratic values: “We are proud of our rule of law.”
Image: Moritz Frankenberg/dpa/picture alliance
Germany’s most senior politicians gathered for a photo opportunity in front of Bremen’s town hall. Observers noted that it was rare to see Chancellor Merz so relaxed and in such good spirits. The German leader has recently had to face sinking personal popularity and several regional electoral defeats for his party.
Image: Senatskanzlei Freie Hansestadt Bremen
The wife of President Steinmeier, former judge Elke Büdenbender, also came out to chat with locals in the sunshine. With temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, it was a pleasant occasion. Locals who wanted to get into the front row and talk to politicians had to arrive early in the morning.
Image: Jens Krick/Flashpic/picture alliance
This year’s motto for Unity Day is “Many Strengths — One Country.” Bremen decorated and barriers featured some of Bremen’s most famous inhabitants. The story, the “Town Musicians of Bremen,” was published in the Brothers Grimm fairytales back in 1819. It tells the story of four aging domestic animals: a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster. The beasts can be seen in many places throughout the city.
Image: Moritz Frankenberg/dpa/picture alliance
This year’s German Unity Day celebrations are taking place in Bremen because the city currently holds the presidency of the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament for German federal states. Bremen is both a city and a state. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia will take over the presidency in November and its leader Hendrik Wüst (left) was also in town for the party.
Image: Moritz Frankenberg/dpa/picture alliance
There’s more to do here in Bremen on Unity Day than stand around and shake hands with German politicians. Bremen is also holding a festival, complete with music, performances and panel discussions. Over 400,000 visitors are expected in town. Public transport in the region is free until Sunday.
Image: Focke Strangmann/dpa/picture alliance9 images1 | 99 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5Nhze
