November 9, 2025, marked a day of reflection across Germany as leaders and citizens recalled the multiple, contrasting moments in the nation’s history tied to that date — the 1918 proclamation of the republic, the November pogroms against Jews in 1938, and the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier used a memorial ceremony at Bellevue Palace to warn of growing threats to democracy and to urge active defense of democratic institutions.
Steinmeier described November 9 as a date of “light and shadow” and said democracy and liberty were under attack, particularly from right-wing extremist forces gaining ground in public life. He warned against passivity — “Simply waiting for the storm to pass and taking cover for the time being is not enough” — and urged citizens to act, stressing that democrats have law, liberty and humanity on their side. In a veiled reference to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Steinmeier insisted there must be no political cooperation with extremists in government or parliaments, while acknowledging that banning a party is a last resort that requires careful consideration. He also emphasized the need to fight antisemitism from all directions.
The date’s grim history was echoed in other commentaries. Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, published warnings that left-wing antisemitism poses a particular danger because it “hides its intentions” and can cross from legitimate critique into incitement, he said, citing examples in universities and cultural institutions. Recent studies and reporting have documented a rise in antisemitic incidents in Germany since the outbreak of Israel’s war with Hamas, a context that has heightened public concern.
Public debate over security and militarisation ran in parallel. A coalition of German peace initiatives condemned government plans to ramp up rearmament and called for protests against the possible reintroduction of military conscription. Conscription has been suspended in Germany since 2011, but a bill due to take effect January 1 initially envisages voluntary recruitment; mandatory service could be reinstated if volunteer targets are missed or if the security situation worsens. The peace movement announced plans for a day of action against conscription on December 5, urging creative protest against what it called comprehensive militarization with heavy social consequences.
Domestic politics continued to face turbulence. Six months after coming to power, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition — the CDU/CSU and SPD — has seen a steep fall in popularity amid infighting and unmet economic promises. Polls show rising support for the AfD, now the strongest opposition force, and internal disputes have stymied decisions such as constitutional court appointments. The coalition remains divided on military recruitment models and migration policy, and Merz has faced criticism for remarks perceived as disparaging toward migrants.
On the political fringes, Sahra Wagenknecht’s populist BSW party grappled with a debate over a new name ahead of its December congress, with state branches proposing rival formulations while leadership sought continuity under the BSW abbreviation.
Other national stories included legal and cultural developments. A court in northern Germany partially overturned a condition preventing a man formally identified as a suspect in the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann from leaving the country; the suspect has a history of serious convictions and is under police surveillance. In Magdeburg, a trial is set to begin for a man accused of carrying out an attack on a Christmas market. The arts spotlighted a new film by Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov portraying the later life of Auschwitz doctor Josef Mengele.
Sports and events also featured: Berlin hosted its first regular-season NFL game at the Olympiastadion, where the Indianapolis Colts beat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane scored a stoppage-time equalizer to salvage a draw at Union Berlin, ending Bayern’s record-breaking perfect start of the season.
As Germany commemorated November 9, the day’s events served as a reminder of both democratic achievements and historical atrocities, prompting calls from the presidency and others for vigilance against extremism and for active engagement in preserving democratic values.