Michel Friedman - „Mensch“ // Buchpremiere & Gespräch mit Bettina Böttinger

In the organizer's words:

The Harbour Front Literature Festival is delighted to welcome Michel Friedman with his new book Mensch! Declaration of Love by a Desperate Democrat in Hamburg. At a time of growing social tensions, authoritarian tendencies and political fatigue, Friedman makes a powerful statement for democratic responsibility - passionate, uncomfortable and highly topical.

About the book "Mensch! - A declaration of love from a desperate democrat"

"I am a desperate man"

A wake-up call to not only defend democracy, but to actively shape it

From one of the country's most important voices and moral authorities

"Desperate because I see how we are not learning anything substantial from history. Desperate because the democracy that guarantees my life as a human being is crumbling."

Democracy is never static, but dynamic. It lives through the people who are constantly working on it. Who would know this better than Michel Friedman. He calls for action to finally be taken - for freedom and human rights.

With clear analyses, he exposes the dangers of resignation, media-driven sensationalism and unfulfilled promises. This book challenges, irritates and inspires at the same time. It is a passionate declaration of love for democracy. An urgent appeal to fight for dignity, rights, diversity and freedom before it is too late.

Publication date: August 28, 2025

About the author:

Michel Friedman, born in Paris in 1956, lawyer, philosopher, publicist, honorary professor and presenter. Moved to Frankfurt in 1965; studied law and obtained a doctorate, later studied philosophy, second doctorate. He is a former president of the European Jewish Congress, recipient of the Goethe Plaque of the City of Frankfurt am Main and editor of the Jewish-liberal magazine Der Aufbau.

Price information:

Ticket prices: 49.95 EUR / 42.95 EUR / 36.95 EUR / 29.95 EUR