Baerbock demands respect and with each other in democracy!

Baerbock demands respect and with each other in democracy!

Potsdam, Deutschland - On July 6, 2025, Annalena Baerbock, former Foreign Minister and politician of the Greens, gave a moving farewell appearance in Potsdam, in which she called on more together under Democrats. Shortly before moving to the United Nations, she emphasized the need for a respectful dispute in politics. In doing so, she warned of the shitstorms and hatred that is common on social media and could keep many citizens from political participation. "True life does not take place on Twitter or Facebook, but in schools, sports clubs and at work", she commented on the current challenges of our communication culture and freedom of expression.

In her twelve years in the Bundestag, from which she took a positive record, and the twenty years at the Brandenburg Greens, Baerbock began her political career as an intern in 2004 as an intern during the EU east expansion. On June 30, she gave up her mandate to Andrea Lübcke, the new head of state of the Brandenburg Greens. This ends a chapter while Baerbock with her new office as President of the UN General Assembly, for which she was elected in early June, takes a step into an international career. She has a master's degree in international law, which will certainly benefit her in the upcoming function.

The importance of freedom of expression

Baerbock's appeal meets fertile soil at a time when the freedom of expression in Germany and globally is under pressure. The legal framework for freedom of expression is anchored in the Basic Law, but their limits are repeatedly discussed. According to the Federal Center for Political Education , strong protection of freedom of expression is crucial for public opinion formation. Political speeches and debates are of central importance because they form the basis for a functioning democracy.

Current debates about freedom of expression, such as the publication of caricatures that are perceived as insulting, or discussions about religious beliefs, show that there are numerous views and needs that can often not be reconciled. An example from the past is the controversy about Mohammed caricatures that triggered international protests and demands for restrictions on freedom of speech. The challenge is to protect the right to freedom of expression and at the same time minimize the risk of hate speech, as addressed by Deutsch-Islamischen Jugendverband

The narrow line between freedom and responsibility

It is becoming increasingly clear that a balance between freedom of expression and the protection against dictatorship and anarchy is necessary. While restrictions may be justified in certain situations, the discourse on freedom itself remains a central element in the political discussion. As can often be observed in political communication and media reports, increasing self -censorship leads to the discussion about controversial issues, which endangers the democratic culture of debate.

Baerbock's call encourages to seek respectful exchange in politics and beyond. In this sense, the responsibility of each individual to promote dialogue and to defend the basics of democracy. The challenges are great, but with a joint approach that is based on understanding and consideration, a way could be found to protect freedom of expression and the respectful discourse.