Obama cautions Europe about battles to come

BERLIN: The man whom Chancellor Angela Merkel calls “dear Barack” was back here on Saturday, his lanky figure and easy smile a reminder for Germans of a different era that ended not so long ago.

But former United States president Barack Obama had not come to speak about the past. He came to speak to the future: some 300 young leaders from across Europe, who had gathered for a town hall-style meeting in the German capital.

It did not take long for Obama to touch on one of his main concerns — and the reason he had come to what he called “the heart of Europe”.

Europe, Obama suggested, was one of the main battlefields between liberal democracy and farright populism.

“Nationalism, particularly on the far right, is re-emerging,” he told a packed auditorium.

“We know where that leads. Europe knows better than anyone where that leads.”

“It leads to conflict, bloodshed and catastrophe,” he said.

Obama did not mention his successor’s name. But the contrast with President Donald Trump, issue by issue, was plain.

“I believe that climate change is an existential challenge for all of humanity,” Obama said.

“I believe that creating tolerance and respect in our countries is vital,” he added.

“I believe deeply in gender equality.”

In a two-hour exchange with his young audience, Obama frequently returned to the issue of racism and immigration.

“Immigration issues are driving a lot of the political turmoil here in Europe and in my own country,” Obama said.

But he also urged his audience to view those unsettled by the newcomers with empathy. “We can’t label everyone who is disturbed by migration as racist.”

Obama has long been popular in Germany. Even before he was elected, in July 2008, 200,000 Berliners flocked to see him speak at the Victory Column in the heart of the city. For many, the affection has not abated.