Harald Martenstein releases book on steered democracy

Author and columnist Harald Martenstein has released a new book titled “Gelenkte Demokratie” (Steered Democracy). The work expands upon a widely discussed speech Martenstein delivered on February 13, 2026, at the Thalia-Theater in Hamburg during a staged legal proceeding regarding a potential ban on the AfD party.

In the book, Martenstein argues for a democracy that belongs solely to the electorate, emphasizing that political diversity and the ability to change direction are essential requirements for freedom. He warns against attempts to protect freedom through restrictions and argues that excluding political opponents rather than engaging them through debate weakens democratic culture.

Martenstein describes the current political climate as a “steered democracy,” where a single direction is deemed permissible despite the appearance of democratic processes. The book addresses themes such as equality before the law, freedom of expression, and the necessity of free elections that allow for genuine political alternatives.