Democracy in danger? Freedom requires responsibility
The Wittenstein Foundation invites to the ‘Democracy’ special series as part of ‘enter the future’
15.10.2026
The Wittenstein Foundation invites to the 14th event in the ‘enter the future’ series on Monday, 23 November 2026, at 6 pm at the TauberPhilharmonie in Weikersheim, as well as to join online via livestream. The guest speaker will be former Federal President Joachim Gauck, one of the most prominent German champions of democracy of our time. The event also marks the launch of the new ‘Special Series on Democracy’. Prof. Dr Wolfgang Reinhart, Member of the State Parliament, former minister and lawyer, will deliver an introductory address, opening the series with his reflections on the current challenges facing democratic societies.
Democratic societies are under pressure. International crises, geopolitical tensions, social polarisation and dwindling trust in institutions are putting the resilience of liberal democracies to the test. At the same time, the question is increasingly being raised as to how open societies can respond to internal and external threats without compromising their fundamental values.
Under the title ‘Democracy in Danger? Freedom Requires Responsibility’, Joachim Gauck explores why freedom and democracy depend more than ever on the active participation of their citizens. Drawing on the ideas in his latest book, Erschütterungen: What Threatens Our Democracy from Within and Without, he highlights the challenges facing democratic societies today and explains why personal commitment, social cohesion and the assumption of responsibility are essential prerequisites for a stable democratic future.
In 2012, Joachim Gauck was elected by the Federal Assembly as the eleventh President of the Federal Republic of Germany. A graduate in theology, he was already campaigning for freedom and civil rights in the GDR and remains to this day one of the leading voices for democracy, responsibility and social cohesion in Germany. He has been honoured with numerous awards for his lifelong commitment to democracy.
Inspiration for a responsible future
With its ‘enter the future’ series, the Wittenstein Foundation creates spaces for open discussion on the major questions facing our society’s future. The focus is on leading figures from politics, academia, business and culture who provide guidance, open up new perspectives and encourage the formation of independent opinions.
The event featuring Joachim Gauck is also intended as an invitation to dialogue. Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in the discussion. The evening will be moderated by Benedikt Hofmann, editor-in-chief of MM MaschinenMarkt.
The event is accompanied by a special gesture: Joachim Gauck is waiving his fee and instead donating it towards the restoration of the historic Marienorgel in Rostock. Visitors will also have the opportunity, both at the venue and afterwards, to support this project with a tax-deductible donation.
Following the talk and discussion, Joachim Gauck will also be available for a book-signing session. Visitors will be able to purchase his latest publications, including his book Erschütterungen. Was unsere Demokratie von außen und innen bedroht (*Upheavals: What Threatens Our Democracy from Within and Without*), from a bookstall.
The event will take place at the TauberPhilharmonie in Weikersheim and will also be streamed live. Attendance is free of charge. Tickets will be available from 19 October 2026. Further information is available at www.wittenstein-stiftung.de/veranstaltungen .
Downloads
© J. Denzel, S. Kugler
Joachim Gauck served as Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany from 2012 to 2017. The civil rights activist, theologian and journalist is one of the most prominent voices for democracy, freedom and social responsibility in Germany.
Comments