Friedman calls for more democratic engagement at the award ceremony in Schwerin

Friedman calls for more democratic engagement at the award ceremony in Schwerin

The well-known publicist and lawyer gave a speech on October 28, 2025 Michel Friedman an impressive speech on the occasion of the 20th awarding of the Johannes Stelling Prize in Schwerin. He spoke to an interested audience about the pressing challenges facing democracy in Germany and called for greater engagement from citizens.

Friedman expressly warned that decisive decisions will be made for the future of democracy in Germany in the next four to eight years. “We should recognize the signs of the times and act,” said Friedman. He criticized the current culture of debate in the country, which he described as undercomplex, and noted that there was often a lack of willingness to resolve contradictions openly and respectfully. Rather, conflicts are too often avoided.

Honor for commitment against racism

As part of the award ceremony Silvio Witt, the former mayor of Neubrandenburg, was awarded the Johannes Stelling Prize. He received the honor for his tireless commitment to a colorful and tolerant Neubrandenburg, especially in the context of a dispute over the hoisting of the rainbow flag in May 2025, which led to his resignation. The prize is endowed with 3,000 euros and commemorates the social democratic politician Johannes Stelling, who was murdered by the National Socialists in 1933.

In addition to Witt's award, three honorary prizes, each worth 500 euros, were awarded in Schwerin to the Rostock International Football Club, the Schwerin City School Council and the committed citizens Eckart Hübner and Bernd Kleist. These awards not only value individual commitment, but also encourage others to take an active stance against racism and hatred.

The Friedrich Dimension

Friedman, who had already appeared in Klütz, expressed his dissatisfaction with the mayor's interference in the programming of a local literary house. This shows how important he believes independence and diversity in the cultural landscape are.

With his clear stance against anti-Semitism, right-wing extremism and racism, Friedman was recognized by Julian Barlen, the parliamentary group leader of the SPD parliamentary group. Barlen emphasized that it is important to support such clear positions in order to protect the values ​​of democracy.

Overall, the event impressively shows how important it is that we as a society actively promote our values ​​and strengthen today's responsible citizens. Friedman calls on us to raise our voices and not to look away, but to seek dialogue even on difficult topics. This is the only way to maintain an open and diverse society.