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NEWSLETTER -
ABO / EPAPER
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May 11, 2024, 6:04 am
VIENNA. For the first time, the presidents of Germany, Italy and Austria are writing a joint letter to the citizens of their countries about the 2024 European elections.
The following joint letter from the presidents of Germany, Italy and Austria appears simultaneously in several media outlets in these countries. In Austria, this is the group of federal state newspapers, which, in addition to the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten, include the Salzburger Nachrichten, the Kleine Zeitung, the Tiroler Tageszeitung, the Vorarlberger Nachrichten and the press from Vienna.
In 2024, elections will be held in countries that make up more than half of the world’s population. It will be an important year for democracy in Europe and in many parts of the world. In the not too distant future, we might even see it as a pivotal year that set the course for the decades to come. Over 400 million European citizens can choose their representatives in the European Parliament to whom they can entrust the shaping of our future Europe. We need to think together about what future prospects we want to secure and how we want to tackle the enormous challenges that lie ahead.
As heads of state, we call on our citizens to take part in this decision and go vote!
Image: ddp/Geisler/Bernd Elmenthaler vi
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Image: ddp/Geisler/Bernd Elmenthaler vi
We see around the world that the fundamental values of pluralism, human rights and the rule of law – our values - are being questioned, if not openly threatened. It’s about nothing less than the foundations of our democratic order.
Lessons from history
An order where informed citizens expect governments to take responsibility, where strong institutions guarantee the rights of all – especially minorities – and where politics is a process of finding solutions through lively but civilized debate . Our three countries know that democracy, even once achieved, cannot be taken for granted. We know that freedom and democracy must be defended and consolidated, that a confrontation of excessive nationalisms leads to war. History teaches that where democracy is lacking, humanity and political reason are stifled.
As presidents of liberal democracies, we are honored to represent our diverse societies with their many opinions and cultures. As presidents, we know that representing these societies means hearing many voices and bringing together many opinions. It is therefore essential to defend democratic institutions and values, guarantees of freedom, media independence, the role of the democratic political opposition, the separation of powers and the importance of limits on the exercise of power.
Image: APA/AFP/Quirinale Press Office/HANDOUT
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Picture: APA/AFP/Quirinale Press Office/HANDOUT
Our free democratic order is closely linked to European unification: by being anchored in a European community of values and laws, we have shown the world how coexistence can succeed on the basis of democratic order and peace.
A strong Europe is needed
It is not surprising that those who question fundamental democratic principles also question the European project. They forget that European democracies must be truly united in a world where the number of authoritarian systems is increasing.
Only in a strong European Union will we have enough weight to defend our freedom and our democracy in an increasingly uncertain world and to work for a global order characterized by freedom, the dignity of every human being and respect for every state and international law is.
A united Europe is unthinkable without democracy, and European democracy needs democrats across Europe: citizens who see democratic freedom as their own interest. Voting is a simple but powerful way to reinforce and consolidate this model.
It is encouraging that many of our fellow citizens are working hard to strengthen and defend the democratic fabric that binds us together in everyday life. They volunteer their time and energy to help the weaker and take on responsibility in clubs, communities and politics. Our democracies are strong because they are supported by committed citizens.
In this way, they differ radically from regimes that oppress their citizens, incite fear in their societies and threaten their neighbors. The upcoming European Parliament election offers the opportunity to elect representatives who are committed to constructive solutions while accepting the complexity of the democratic system. We take advantage of this opportunity when we exercise this fundamental right.
A great legacy
By taking part in the election, the liberal institutions, the rule of law, our basic values and our common freedom are defended.
We are truly “united in diversity” in our countries and in our European Union.
This has enabled us to live in a Europe that is more peaceful and prosperous than ever. It is a great legacy that is worth defending and developing through the exercise of the democratic right to vote.
Image: APA/BUNDESHEER/PETER LECHNER
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Image: APA/BUNDESHEER/PETER LECHNER