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Protesters Disrupt German Defense Minister's Speech on Veteran's Day

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Protesters disrupted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's speech at the National Veteran's Day event in Berlin.
  • Around a dozen demonstrators held a banner and chanted slogans against mandatory military service.
  • Pistorius responded by stating that the Bundeswehr's motto allows for dissent, receiving applause from the audience.

A National Veteran's Day event in Berlin was disrupted by protesters during a speech by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Approximately a dozen demonstrators, wearing red-stained T-shirts, held a banner that read "For Future Without War" and chanted slogans such as "Never again mandatory military service."

A motto of the Bundeswehr is: We fight so that you can be against us.

— Boris PistoriusThe German Defense Minister's response to protesters disrupting his speech at the National Veteran's Day event.

The incident occurred at a civic celebration held at the Reichstag building. Police intervened and led the protesters away. In response to the demonstration, Pistorius addressed the crowd, stating, "A motto of the Bundeswehr is: We fight so that you can be against us." This remark was met with applause from attendees.

Never again mandatory military service.

— ProtestersChanted slogans during their disruption of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's speech.

Germany established the National Veteran's Day last year to honor the service of active and former soldiers. The commemoration is observed annually on the weekend before or after June 15. This year's event highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding military service and pacifist sentiments within Germany.

For Future Without War

— ProtestersThe message on the banner held by demonstrators at the National Veteran's Day event.
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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