Merz causes excitement: is Germany really laizistic?

Merz causes excitement: is Germany really laizistic?

On July 24, 2025, Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, caused excitement with his unfortunate statement that Germany was laizistic. This mistake occurred during his visit to the Hanover Medical School and was considered embarrassing by many. Merz 'inadequate answers to questions about the right to religion constitution left numerous ambiguities, as ZEIT ONLINE . In reality, however, the situation in Germany looks very different: the state is considered plural and not laizistic.

A laizistic Germany would change the entire social structure sustainably, since the role of religion in public space is firmly anchored in the Basic Law. Historically, Germany has defined itself from complex developments that are also associated with the Reformation 1517 and the subsequent denominational conflicts. The Westphalian Peace of 1648 ended these civil wars and led to the emergence of an early form of secularized public violence, such as the Federal Center for Political Education

The way to religious diversity

The separation between the state and religious institutions, which is known in Germany as a “separation of church and state”, was created in the course of European Enlightenment. Unlike in countries such as France, where there is a strict separation, Germany is characterized by a partnership -based relationship between churches and the state. This is regulated by numerous concordates and state church contracts. Article 140 of the Basic Law refers to the provisions of the Weimar constitution, where the principle of religious freedom is laid down.

This freedom and the equal treatment of religious communities have remained a sensitive issue. For years, humanistic associations have been demanding the reduction of the privileges of the churches, while others defend current church financing. Legal arguments about different aspects of religious freedom, such as Islamic religious education or dealing with religious clothing in everyday school life, are repeatedly fought. These jurisdiction show that the state does not have its own religious identity and has to declare itself as theologically incompetent to ensure religious freedom.

tensions in public space

In today's world, social acceptance and discussions about the role of religion in public spaces are changed. The debates about the wearing of headscarves by teachers in particular are a reflection of the different views of religious freedom and integration. Factors such as secularization and pluralization shape the debate. The urban spaces and especially East Germany are often mostly populated by non -religious or non -organized people, which leads to tensions and different views about the public visibility of religion.