German president warns democracy faces new challenges
Leading the 75th anniversary celebrations of Germany's constitution, President Steinmeier has spoken on the role of the "Basic Law" in bolstering a free democratic state. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday gave a speech at a state ceremony in Berlin to mark 75 years since the establishment of Germany's constitution, or Basic Law, warning that the democratic principles it enshrines are under pressure. His remarks on the importance of the rule of law and democracy for a peaceful society come as cases of violence against German politicians and politically motivated crimes are on the rise. Some 1,000 police officers were deployed to ensure security at the event. What did the president say? In his speech, Steinmeier said that democracy in Germany was a success but was not perpetually guaranteed. "At present, there are forces gathering strength here as well that want to undermine and weaken it, that despise its institutions and insult and...