Depicting societal developments and tensions is one of the main tasks of the book industry, and therefore the fair. It is the only way to counter a poisoned culture of debate, strengthen democratic discourse and give a stage to diversity. And: “The book fair is the counter-model of an echo chamber.”
Nearly 4000 exhibitors from 95 countries
The 74th Frankfurt Book Fair is scheduled to officially open on Tuesday afternoon. After two years of restrictions due to the pandemic, it is happening again without major restrictions. According to the information obtained, around 4,000 participants from 95 countries registered.
Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, president of the German Book Trade Association, spoke on Tuesday about “a cultural event for international understanding”. Numerous discussions, lectures and readings this week cover current political issues such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Iran and Afghanistan. For example, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is virtually connected to an event on Thursday.
Among others, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Spanish royal couple announced that they will be at the inauguration Tuesday afternoon. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia represent Spain’s Guest of Honor this year. The fair concludes on Sunday with the awarding of the German Book Trade Peace Prize to Ukrainian author Serhij Zhadan.
(SDA)