The Dawn of a New Time

With the change of season, we wanted to celebrate a political change of season in Germany. This year's federal elections resulted in coalition negotiations between the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, as well as the Liberal Free Democrats (FDP). These negotiations came to a close in early December, and will culminate with the election of a new chancellor and government. The FES DC gathered with close friends and partners in the transatlantic relationship in Washington for an evening of progressive networking, reconnection, and celebration.

A fully-vaccinated public – from members of government and the diplomatic community, think tanks and academia, arts and non-profits, labor and business – gathered to hear remarks from speakers Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Spencer Boyer, and Ambassador (retired) John Emerson. Knut Dethlefsen, Executive Director of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Washington Office, introduced the speakers and noted that we look forward with hope and anticipation for a new progressive-liberal German government and our common commitment to the transatlantic bond between Germany and the United States. 

Congresswoman Escobar remarked that the world is a small place, and that German-American friendship exists in shared joy and sorrow in even the smallest towns. Assistant Secretary Boyer underscored the enduring partnership of the United States and Germany and the promising future of this partnership. Ambassador Emerson reflected on his time in Germany and assured those gathered that the transatlantic relationship is as strong as ever.