‘We do not wear burqa:’ Germany’s interior minister favors introduction of ‘dominant’ culture

“Those, who feel confident about their own culture, are strong,” Thomas de Maiziere said in an opinion piece published in Bild daily’s weekend edition.

He also said he would like to “stimulate a discussion about a dominant culture for Germany with some theses” presenting a ten-point plan outlining his vision of what he described as a set of core features that define the nature of German society.

According to the minister, German culture manifests itself in a set of specific behavioral patterns which include handshakes upon greetings or revealing one’s identity when making an acquaintance.

“We are an open society. We show our faces. We do not [wear] burqa,” the minister said in his piece, referring to the full-face Muslim veil which has become a controversial subject in Germany recently.

He went on to emphasize the importance of ensuring general education by saying that, in Germany, education is “not only an instrument but also a value.” The minister also said that the idea of personal success and meritocratic principles are also important in Germany. 
“We encourage [personal] accomplishments. Good performance and quality bring prosperity. The idea of personal success is what has made our land strong,” de Maiziere said.

He then said that Germany’s history and culture play a significant role in life of the modern German society.

The minister also said that even though Germany “maintains neutrality in its overall worldview,” it is still very much under the influence of Christian culture and values. “In our land, religion is a link and not a wedge between [different parts] of society,” he said, adding, that religion “unites people not only in their beliefs but also in everyday life.”

He said German society is open and friendly to all religions and “lives in a religious peace” based upon “absolute priority of law over all religious regulations in public life.”

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