Germany Risks Weimar-Style Political Divisions, Steinmeier Warns

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned that Germany risks falling into political divisions reminiscent of the Weimar Republic era, amid growing support for extremist parties and increasing disinformation.

Speaking during celebrations marking German reunification, Steinmeier said democratic debate was being threatened by extremist forces and sophisticated misinformation campaigns.

His comments came after recent state elections in eastern Germany, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured the largest share of votes in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In Berlin, the far-left Left Party emerged as the winner.

Steinmeier said political divisions, economic concerns and declining trust in government were creating a dangerous environment for democracy.

He also criticised disinformation campaigns allegedly driven by Kremlin-linked actors, far-right extremists and authoritarian figures on the left, saying such campaigns were being amplified online.

The president said as many as one-third of German voters were showing through their voting choices that they were turning away from fundamental democratic rights.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, is also facing economic challenges. Its manufacturing sector has come under increasing pressure from Chinese competition, while Russia's war in Ukraine has disrupted the country's previous access to relatively cheap Russian oil and gas.

Steinmeier called for “well-considered, consistent, professional and steadfast government policy,” saying such leadership was more urgently needed than ever.

Although the German presidency is largely ceremonial, Steinmeier's position carries significant moral and political influence.

Drawing a direct comparison with Germany's history, he questioned whether the country was becoming more like the politically divided Weimar Republic, whose democracy eventually collapsed before the Second World War.

“Whether Berlin is becoming more like the Weimar Republic is a question that has yet to be answered,” Steinmeier said.