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Merz: Violence begins with intolerance after Berlin attack
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

Merz: Violence begins with intolerance after Berlin attack

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged people not to be intimidated following a suspected Islamist terror attack in Berlin.
  • Merz stated that violence begins with intolerance, exclusion, discrimination, and hateful speech, not just attacks.
  • He delivered a speech on Europe at the traditional Libori feast in Paderborn, acknowledging the recent attack.

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democrats, delivered a speech at the traditional Libori feast in Paderborn, addressing the nation in the wake of a suspected Islamist terror attack in Berlin.

Merz acknowledged the timing of his speech, noting he considered canceling his attendance after the attack. However, he decided to proceed, emphasizing that violence stems from intolerance and exclusion. "Violence does not begin with an attack. Violence begins with intolerance, with exclusion, with discrimination, stupid talk and bad jokes," Merz told the Libori Guild, a group of local businesspeople and citizens.

The feast, part of Paderborn's nine-day Libori celebrations, has a religious origin dating back to the arrival of the relics of St. Liborius in 836. The event, which includes simple Westphalian food, is considered a major cultural highlight for the city.

Violence does not begin with an attack. Violence begins with intolerance, with exclusion, with discrimination, stupid talk and bad jokes.

— Friedrich MerzMerz's speech at the Libori feast in Paderborn, addressing the aftermath of the Berlin attack.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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