Magdeburg – ESI on protecting European democracy

27 April 2026
Gerald speaks in Magdeburg. Photo: ESI.
Gerald speaks in Magdeburg. Photo: ESI.

ESI’s Gerald Knaus discussed the future of liberal democracy in Europe at an event hosted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Magdeburg, the capital of German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The discussion took place at a particularly significant moment in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right, nationalist Alternative für Deutschland party is polling more strongly than ever ahead of upcoming regional elections. Gerald argued that Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, and Europe have much to lose by returning to a nationalist past, with Europe’s integration having brought an unprecedented period of peace, stability, and prosperity to the continent. Victory for the AfD would be a victory for Putin, Trump, and other authoritarians who seek to undermine Europe’s social and economic progress since the end of the Cold War.

Gerald stated that we must respond decisively to this threat. We need to speak out louder and with more confidence about the successes of Europe. Noting the contribution of Konrad Adenauer, post-war Germany’s first chancellor, Gerald argued that we need to better appreciate the peace and stability European and trans-Atlantic integration have brought to our society, and defend them against the false narratives of nationalism and illiberalism. This will require the mobilization of democratic forces in Sachsen-Anhalt – the effort, Gerald said, is well worth it.