The Frankfurter Buchmesse defends freedom of speech.
Out of this understanding arises Frankfurter Buchmesse’s commitment to pluralism, freedom of opinion and speech, as well as freedom of publishing. It is not our role to make aesthetic, moral or political selections. Instead, we want to give space to different opinions and perspectives - even if they happen to be controversial.
This freedom operates within the legal framework of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In other words, anyone can exhibit, trade, buy and sell whatever they want, as long as the content of the products does not violate German law. The institution of Frankfurter Buchmesse is not an executive body and is therefore not authorised to confiscate products: Those rights belong to the law enforcement authorities alone.
Should we come across or be made aware of anything that may be of relevance to criminal law during the course of the fair, we will cooperate closely with the German federal law enforcement authorities: If an organisation, symbol or exhibit violates German law, the title may be removed by the police.
Frankfurter Buchmesse categorically rejects any form of censorship.
Frankfurter Buchmesse does not see itself as a body that would selectively allow or ban certain content from the exhibition, as this would contradict the very premises on which we act, even if the presumed intention of the author is to abolish the freedom of the word - as difficult and politically objectionable as this might seem in the specific case.
Frankfurter Buchmesse takes a stance.
Allowing the greatest possible diversity of opinions and products expressly does not signify an endorsement by Frankfurter Buchmesse of the numerous views of the titles on display, or a promotion of their spread.
Standing up for freedom of opinion and speech and freedom of publishing is only credible if one takes a stand and presents one's own position. As Frankfurter Buchmesse champions the freedom of the word, it is particularly committed to democratic values in the sense of the protection of human rights, as only this will enable the actual freedom of the word for all people.
Differing, even controversial opinions and positions may be voiced. Simultaneously, Frankfurter Buchmesse provides spaces and formats in which exchange can be conducted in a considered manner.
Frankfurter Buchmesse is an international marketplace committed to the equal treatment of all its exhibitors
Due to the size and international importance of the event, Frankfurter Buchmesse is to be classified as a dominant player in the market within the framework of the German competition and cartel laws. As such, it may not exclude exhibitors without an objectively justified reason. Accordingly, companies could challenge an exclusion in summary proceedings under German anti-trust law. Should the courts rule that there was no substantive reason for an exclusion, Frankfurter Buchmesse would have to accept this company as an exhibitor. Exhibitors are not invited by Frankfurter Buchmesse.
Safety is a top priority.
Exhibitors and trade visitors from over 80 countries are guests at Frankfurter Buchmesse. To ensure the safety of all participants and the smooth running of such a major international event, security is our top priority. Politicians, VIPs, or individuals facing an increased security risk will be given special consideration in the run-up to the fair, and individual measures will be worked out for them. We also work closely with Messe Frankfurt's security service and the police. Throughout the fair, there will be an increased number of police officers in the halls, both plainclothes and in uniform, who will investigate any indications of threats immediately. This will ensure not only the safety of the general public, but also the protection of discriminated, threatened or politically persecuted authors and top international politicians at Frankfurter Buchmesse.
One of Frankfurter Buchmesse's central concerns is the promotion of “bibliodiversity"
This is based on the idea that, in the broadest sense, a book can be as a response or commentary on previous books. Once initiated, such a “Great Conversation” requires participants and commentators, in short: it calls for a broad diversity of published literature from all over the world. Frankfurter Buchmesse thus follows a principle of dialogue that respects others and their opinions, even if they do not correspond to its own principles.
In this sense, we look upon “bibliodiversity” as a prerequisite and guarantor of democratic structures.
According to the " democratic relation", autocratic systems tend to produce only a small number of titles in large print runs, whereas democratic communities publish a large number of titles, often even in relatively small print runs. The plurality of publications reflects the plurality and freedom of opinion in a community with a democratic identity.
