Olaf Scholz emphasizes confidence despite global crises at literature festival event

Former Chancellor and Hamburg ex-mayor Olaf Scholz is confident despite all the wars and crises in the world. “I believe that it is important for us as people that we can be confident,” said the SPD politician in the evening in Hamburg at the “25 Years of Nine Eleven” event at the Harbor Front Literature Festival 2026. There are situations where that cannot be the case. "But in the end we need that, and that's why I'm one of those who likes it when things turn out well."

One hundred percent protection is not possible

Also with a view to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the USA 25 years ago, Scholz said that there would never be 100 percent protection against such acts. “But we have to do our best, and we always have to be sure that we haven’t left out anything that is possible.” The starting point is to create, develop, preserve and maintain a democratic culture in which people can live together peacefully despite different religious beliefs.

Scholz warned against wanting to divide the world into tribal areas or large areas. The world should be accepted as it has become. “There is no reason and no right to question boundaries.” Small nations as neighbors of large nations should be able to feel safe. “And that is the path to a peaceful world and not by us fighting each other as a civilization.”

The actual opening of the literature festival is on September 19th

The actual opening of the 2026 Harbor Front Literature Festival is scheduled for September 19th. According to the organizers, Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD), Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) and moderator Ingo Zamperoni, among others, announced their presence. Tschentscher then wants to read from the American Declaration of Independence with around 100 Hamburg citizens and prominent guests on the stage of the Thalia Theater.