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Bastian Pastewka Warns of Pressure on German Democracy and Free Speech

He links the risk to a U.S. example, pointing to escalating attacks on ARD and ZDF as a sign of a fragile climate.

Overview

  • In interviews published by multiple outlets, the comedian says Germany is a very fragile democracy with freedom of expression under significant strain.
  • He argues autocrats have no humor and warns that critical voices, including satirists and entertainers, are often the first to be targeted or canceled.
  • Citing the influence of U.S. politics, he calls the current actions of a U.S. president extremely dangerous for global cohesion and a model for other states.
  • He criticizes right-wing extremists for denouncing ARD and ZDF as state media while offering no constructive alternatives and stoking hostility.
  • While urging vigilance and noting he has not been censored, he expresses hope that society can move past this phase as he promotes his new film, Fabian und die mörderische Hochzeit.