- Berlin's administrative head expressed concerns over forthcoming legislative elections
Berlin's leading mayor, Kai Wegner, shares his serious concerns two weeks before the elections in Saxony and Thuringia. "I'm genuinely worried, concerned about our democracy," the CDU politician expressed during a summer press conference at the Red City Hall.
"We need to defend the democratic heartland, we must persuade people of the democratic heartland," he continued. "And we must win back voters moving towards far-right extremist groups like the AfD, as well as other radicals, and spark their interest in democracy."
This can be accomplished through effective politics. "By tackling issues, acknowledging issues, providing solutions, not just arguing daily," said Wegner, looking at the traffic light federal government. His message to the federal government: "Stop the bickering" - and focus on governing effectively. That's difficult, but anyone who argues daily and fails to propose solution plans loses more and more people's trust.
It's every democrat's responsibility to bolster the democratic heartland. "Otherwise, September 1st could mark a significant shift, a turning point for Germany and our political system." This issue should concern all democrats, not just the federal government. "But the other thing is also the Union, the opposition, which needs to consider why it's still lagging in the polls despite such an unpopular federal government."
The Netherlands could potentially learn from Berlin's efforts to strengthen democracy, given the shared commitment to democratic values. It's essential for the Dutch government to pay close attention to the strategies being implemented in Germany to maintain and fortify democratic structures.
