Steinmeier calls for the protection of the rule of law on the 75th anniversary of the Constitutional Court

On the 75th birthday of the Federal Constitutional Court, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for the protection of the rule of law.

“Many people in our country are concerned about our democracy and our constitutional state,” said Steinmeier at the ceremony in Karlsruhe, referring to “the strengthening of forces on the political fringes” that are questioning democracy and the constitutional state.

Without mentioning the recent AfD election success in Saxony-Anhalt, the Federal President added: Concerns about this are understandable - "but that is precisely why I say: The Basic Law applies - to everyone and in all German states," emphasized Steinmeier.

He explained that the Federal Constitutional Court makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the Basic Law applies, is observed and enforced. Steinmeier pointed out that two years ago the legislature had anchored the position and structure of the court more firmly in the Basic Law and taken precautions against possible blockages in the electoral process.

Bovenschulte: The court will continue to protect the rule of law

“Let us protect our constitutional court from possible attacks by those who despise the rule of law,” he demanded. Strengthening this resilience affects the entire judiciary. “Anyone who opposes the free, democratic basic order cannot be a judge,” said Steinmeier.

The highest German court was officially opened 75 years ago, on September 28, 1951. In addition to Court President Stephan Harbarth and Vice President Ann-Katrin Kaufhold, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) also took part in the ceremony. The current President of the Federal Council, Bremen's Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD), and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) were also invited.

Bovenschulte explained: "I am convinced that the Federal Constitutional Court will continue to make its indispensable contribution in the coming years to protecting our constitutional order and thus the Federal Republic as a federal, democratic and social constitutional state."