Guttenberg: "We are governed by lonely people"
In the experience of former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU), top politicians are losing their inner freedom - and their former friends. "It's a business that has destructive elements," zu Guttenberg told the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper (Saturday). The "completely absurd rhythm" leaves top politicians hardly any time to reflect. And with 15 or 16 appointments a day, you only see your family for a few hours a week. The price: loneliness.
"Yes, we are governed by lonely people - but they claim the opposite," said zu Guttenberg in the interview. There is no time to cultivate friendships, so they are quickly lost. Nevertheless, new bonds can sometimes form within politics. "The realization of mutual loneliness can also weld people together," reported the 51-year-old. He himself had also made some lasting friendships in this way. "But almost exclusively in other parties. It's easy to be a direct competitor in your own store. Or at least that's how it's perceived."
Zu Guttenberg initially enjoyed a brilliant career and was even considered as a candidate for chancellor. Then he fell over plagiarism in his doctoral thesis. At the end of his political career, he was "at the end of his tether after years of plagiarism" at the age of just 39, he said. "And yet I hope that young people with the will to shape things will choose politics. I hope that they don't become disillusioned with encrusted party structures." To achieve this, there should be more opportunities to switch back and forth between politics and professional life.
Despite their busy political schedules, incorporating leisure time into their lives could help alleviate the loneliness experienced by many politicians. For instance, frequenting social events or engaging in hobbies outside of politics could potentially foster new friendships and connections.
Moreover, it's worth noting that even with their hectic schedules, politicians should not neglect the importance of maintaining friendships, as they can serve as sources of support and understanding in the often isolating world of politics.
Source: www.dpa.com
