Obama warns of polarisation at Berlin speaking event

Former US President Barack Obama has warned against the dangers of political polarisation during an event in Berlin on Wednesday as part of his global speaking tour.

At the event, Obama said that some young people believe everything they see on social media platforms like TikTok.

He said this can lead to the spread of misinformation as well as polarisation, both of which he cited as some of the greatest threats to democracy.

Obama’s talk was held at the 17,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Arena. Tickets ranged from €60 ($65) to €550.

While in Berlin, Obama had dinner with his “old friend,” former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Tuesday.

Obama’s term as president from 2009 to 2017 coincided with the latter part of Merkel’s time in office, and the two leaders had a warm relationship.

The former US president also had lunch with Germany’s current Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.

He said the two leaders might come from opposing parties, but they share the same basic values.

These differences of opinion make for a healthy democracy, he added.