Cardinal Marx warns: right -wing populism is a danger to our freedom!

Cardinal Marx warns: right -wing populism is a danger to our freedom!

München, Deutschland - The current discussions about the dangers of right -wing populism are increasing more and more, and in this climate the voice of Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the Archbishop of Munich. In an interview, he criticized the social diagnosis that is propagated by these forces, and clearly marked it as the enemy of democracy. Marx emphasizes how essential it is to look at freedom and, the allegation of the right -wing populists, that not everything in Germany should not be said, counteracts the clear answer: "This is absurd." This point of view can be clearly seen in the topics of his recent publications and communicative actions.

The topic is not only addressed by Cardinal Marx, but also by the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, which published the "democratic" on the occasion of the 75th birthday of the Basic Law. Under the title "Christian: Being political to be political", the primer creates a framework in which the socio -political tasks of the faithful are discussed. It offers suggestions and argumentation aids against democratic slogans and is a valuable instrument in dealing with populist currents. This primer was presented at the Catholic Day in Erfurt and met with great interest.

a powerful sign of democracy

The "democratic" addresses migration and its influence on social polarization. Diocesan council chairman Armin Schalk calls for the church to actively interfere in the discussions about democracy. He emphasizes that each individual is responsible for strengthening democracy. This is particularly important because right -wing populist and extremist trends in many countries, such as in Hungary and Italy, gain greatly in approval and are sometimes even involved in governments.

The warnings of populist currents are not only limited to Marx and Schalk. Hans-Joachim Heßler, President of the Bavarian Constitutional Court, also emphasizes the importance of the reference to God of the Basic Law and warns of the dangers that represent populist and extremist ideologies for democracy. The presentation of the primer to Heßler and other political representatives shows that the topic is taken seriously and there is a broad consensus on the need for vigilance.

The role of freedom of expression

Cardinal Marx also deals with freedom of expression. For him, this freedom means not to deal with falsehoods or defamation. He links the concept of freedom with human dignity and the idea that man is the image of God. In his books, he deals in detail how important it is to be able to think free thinking without falling into a trap of manipulation. His central message: freedom that is suppressed, endangers the dignity of every person.

In the current discussion about right -wing populism, it also becomes clear that this often experiences normalization. In these times of the simplified presentation of complex facts and widespread skepticism, the preservation of democratic values ​​must be topped with the top priority. A look at the numerous elections worldwide shows that right -wing populist parties such as the AfD in Germany keep a stable electorate and is even predicted that very good results are possible for them in the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia.

The combination of Marx 'concerned call to vigilance and the efforts of the archdiocese clearly shows that the examination of the populist forces in society is essential for democracy. The commitment of everyone is required in order not to lose sight of the canon of the value of freedom and human dignity.