Iris Bethge-Krauß: There are many ways to get involved in our democracy. The simplest is certainly to make use of your right to vote.

"The Concern for our democracy has moved many of us this year. People have taken to the streets to stand up for our democracy all over Germany. We are currently shocked by violent attacks on politicians. There are many ways to get involved in our democracy. The simplest is certainly to exercise your right to vote.

The 10th election to the European Parliament will take place on June 9. Increased integration within the European Union has brought us all greater prosperity, freedom and, above all, peace. Unfortunately, the latter can no longer be taken for granted in Europe today. A strong European Parliament with broad legitimacy is needed if the progress achieved in European unification is not to be jeopardized.

As the Association of German Public Sector Banks (VÖB), which is not only a banking association but also an employers' association, we call on the employees of our member institutions to vote in the European elections on June 9th and to spread this appeal in their professional and private lives.

Every vote for a democratic party strengthens our democracy. And there can be no alternative to our democracy."