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79 years ago today, 
Auschwitz extermination camp 

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was liberated by 
Soviet soldiers. 

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Today, on 27 January, 
we commemorate  

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the millions of victims 
of National Socialism. 

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Above all Jews, but also Sinti 
and Roma, homosexuals, 

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people with disabilities, 
prisoners of war

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and those subjected 
to political persecution.

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Our responsibility for this 
crime against humanity 

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committed by 
Germans is abiding.

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That is why our democracy 
is built on one key vow: 

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“Never again”.

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Never again to social exclusion 
and disenfranchisement,

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never again to racist 
ideology and dehumanisation, 

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never again 
to dictatorship. 

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Enforcing this “never again” 
is the first duty of our state. 

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That is why we combat 
all forms of antisemitism, 

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terrorist propaganda 
and hatred. 

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That is why we take all steps 
possible under the rule of law

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to prosecute anybody who supports 
terrorism or spreads hatred. 

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That is why we have included 
provisions in our newly adopted

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nationality law which 
clearly stipulate

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that nobody who 
cleaves to racist,  

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antisemitic or other 
inhumane ideology 

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can take German 
citizenship. 

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And that is why the 
Federal Constitutional Court’s 

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decision this week on the financing 
of the former NPD is a very good thing. 

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The Court clearly ruled that 
in a robust democracy, 

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state funding must 
not be given to parties

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whose aims are contradictory to our 
fundamental free democratic order.

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But this “never again” is not 
only directed at the state. 

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“Never again” requires 
all of us to be vigilant.

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Our democracy is not God-given. 
It is a human construct. 

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It is only strong 
with our support.

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And it needs us when 
it is under attack. 

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New reports keep 
coming to light 

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about neo-Nazis and 
their dark networks. 

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And at the same time, 
right-wing populists 

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who play on people’s fears and sow 
hatred are attracting ever more followers.

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This trend can be observed everywhere 
in Europe, and around the globe. 

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But it is not 
our destiny,  

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not something we 
must simply accept.

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Our country is 
on the move. 

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Millions of citizens have 
taken to the streets. 

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To take a stand for democracy, 
for respect and humanity. 

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To stand up for each other – for 
that is what is at the heart of the matter.

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It is the cohesion between 
democrats throughout our country 

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that makes our 
democracy strong.

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Confidently demonstrating 
this cohesion in public –  

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as people are now doing – 
does us good. 

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This cohesion is also 
infused with life every day 

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far from the 
public eye. 

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For example, wherever people voluntarily 
give their time to help others – 

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in informal groups, in 
clubs and associations,

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in municipal and local organisations, 
in their neighbourhoods and online.  

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Our democracy has 
millions of faces. 

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Our “never again” has 
millions of voices. 

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27 January 
reminds us

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to remain visible,

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to remain audible.

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To be seen and heard taking a 
stand against antisemitism, 

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against racism, against hatred – 
and for our democracy. 

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“Never Again” 
is every day.