German president calls for unity and a 'new patriotism'

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on Germans to join forces to tackle the numerous current crises.

"We must take on our destiny," Steinmeier writes in his book "Wir" (We), which he presented on Wednesday at his official residence, Bellevue Palace in Berlin. "We know what Germany can be: A country that has stood under pressure and found its way."

Steinmeier argues in favour of more cooperation between government and opposition on key issues, for state reform, and for a new, thoughtful and not arrogant patriotism - a "patriotism of quiet tones."

The president's long essay is being published to mark Germany's double political anniversary this year: 75 years ago, the Basic Law came into force in West Germany, and 35 years ago the people of East Germany tore down the Berlin Wall. On Wednesday, the president argued - as he does in his book - that both should be seen as pan-German events.

Steinmeier said at the book launch that in 1989 the people of East Germny had longed "to be given the same rights that West Germans enjoyed. The fact that this dream has come true, that the freedoms of the Basic Law have applied to all Germans since 1990, is really a reason to celebrate."

Steinmeier’s book paints a picture of a country that is experiencing deep uncertainty as a result of numerous crises such as the coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and uncertain economic prospects.