"I'm unsuitable as an adversary"
The political climate in the nation is growing more heated. Political debates aren't just confined to the political arena; some officials are even being threatened on the streets. What's causing this tension? How can we prevent it from worsening? Caren Miosga shares insights with two individuals familiar with the situation.
The incidents of political violence are increasing. The most recent victim was CDU member of the Bundestag, Roderich Kiesewetter, who was verbally and physically assaulted at a campaign event. In Germany, these occurrences have become commonplace over the past few weeks and months, signaling a troubling trend. The Federal Criminal Police Office reported a 29% increase in criminal offenses - up to approximately 5400 in 2023 compared to the previous year.
"Hate, crises, upheavals - can politics still coexist?" Miosga questioned on Sunday night. She discussed the topic with two individuals - one who has firsthand experience with this issue and another who understands politics from the inside: Ricarda Lang, co-chair of the Greens, and Armin Laschet, former Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia and now part of the CDU's Bundestag.
Where does political violence stem from, Miosga inquired. "What we see is a form of de-escalation," Lang explained. While verbal attacks have been around for some time, the current violence is targeting the fundamental components of democracy: free elections, freedom of expression, and promoting these ideals. Especially at the local level, politicians shouldn't feel intimidated by hanging up their campaign posters.
Laschet, the experienced politician, couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for this shift. "I believe that the social-political polarization stems, at least in part, from social media," he commented. It was on these platforms where language became less restrained. "In the past, people would write nasty letters. Now, people anonymously attack others online. There's a level of de-escalation there." The Corona pandemic may have been the catalyst, since there was no need to weigh arguments back then. Those who opposed measures were immediately ostracized.
The rising tensions make political discussions incredibly challenging, pointed out the 63-year-old Laschet. "What makes these debates so difficult is that every argument we present is considered morally superior, while those who disagree are instantly marginalized." Imagining climate change solutions as nonnegotiable is an example of this thinking. It upsets Lang, as this sentiment has never come from her party. Moreover, it's impossible to focus on prosperity and security without considering climate protection.
Despite feeling targeted, Lang doesn't seek sympathy. She also participates in the same behavior towards those who oppose her party's views. However, it's essential to sustain a healthy discourse. She finds the Union in Germany creating public backlash against Ursula von der Leyen's EU Commission's coal decision (Green Deal) as highly questionable. This undermines von der Leyen's candidacy for the European elections. Such actions generate uncertainty among citizens.
She concedes that the coalition between the SPD, FDP, and the Greens could be more harmonious. But Lang acknowledges that the Greens are not the only party facing criticism, nor is she herself immune. Miosga recounts the incident in which CDU leader Friedrich Merz mocked Lang and Kühnert like two untrained dogs. This remark didn't faze Lang. However, she mentioned the instance when Markus Söder compared her and Kühnert to his pet dog Molly on Ash Wednesday, adding that Molly was a trained protection dog while his critics were not.
Lang wished to be frank yet cautious. Criticism of politicians is inevitable, but personal attacks are unacceptable. While those who make mistakes can expect backlash, it ought to be constructive and notorship seeking. Political debates should focus on progress rather than tarnishing reputations. However, Miosga pointed out that the traffic light coalition could've been more successful by delivering better results, such as providing a sense of security and direction for the public. Additionally, compromises should be respected instead of being criticized constantly.
Although people like Lang endure personal attacks, societal debates tend to overlook the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Let me rephrase this for you:
Miosga inquires why Lang exposes herself so much in this moment. In response, Ricarda Lang shares, "Because you're still human in politics." Lang admits it's vital not to harden. Even if that implies sharing a personal instant with her partner on a train. Even if it triggers uproar.
Miosga questions Lang's vulnerability now. Lang answers, "Because you're still human in politics."
It's tempting to be rigid and engage solely with like-minded individuals. Or to solidify oneself in office. That's not good for Lang and her viewpoint would falter, she asserts. Be steadfast and listen well. Guard against cynicism.
Laschet, who joined the Bundestag the same year as Lang, wouldn't act that way, he suggests. But he did attempt to avoid altering during the 2021 Bundestag campaign. If he solely traveled the nation as a state rep, that wouldn't have been genuine, he notes. This may have saved him a lot, for example, the intense scrutiny over filming himself cheerfully amidst Steinmeier discussing the tragic flood catastrophe. That was definitely his error, he says now.
Was there any specific moment that cost him the win? Laschet doesn't think so, but rather perceives himself as the target of "aggressive negative campaigning." He also had the label "mini-Trump" and "brown coal person" stuck on him. Despite this, he declares, "I didn't fit into the enemy image, as I am as a person and as a type." There's laughter from the audience.
When tackling subjects like the floundered energy policy from the past several years, especially Nord Stream 2, and dependence on Russian gas, the discussion doesn't shy from harshness. Yet, it still stays factual. The show picks up speed in an easygoing round of questions. For example, Lang advocates for doner prices up to €5, while Laschet earns applause with his view on the K-issue.
When asked about who the following federal president might be, Laschet expresses, "I don't know." "He'll be from the CDU," Lang adds. But when asked if they could both serve as ministers or ministers in the next federal government, Lang states, "I've not planned anything." Laschet says, "I want to do my job." The audience shares a laugh.
To conclude, the former chancellor candidate can't resist jabbing at his CDU rival Söder. Laschet views Söder's Bavarian origin as a positive quality in the inquiry on the next chancellor. Yet, he's clearer when asked about the K-question. Miosga queries if he has spoken with Merz about what might stop Söder from becoming chancellor. "No," says Laschet. "He said his place is in Bavaria, and we consider that so." Lang finds it valiant to believe a statement from Markus Söder lasts longer than a week.
Read also:
In light of the escalating political tension, Ricarda Lang, the co-chair of the Greens, expressed concern about the rise in political violence, citing instances like the assault on CDU member Roderich Kiesewetter as examples. She emphasized that this violence targets the fundamental components of democracy, such as free elections and freedom of expression (Violence, Roderich Kiesewetter, CDU, political violence, democracy).
During a discussion on the worsening political climate, Armin Laschet, former Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, acknowledged that social-political polarization might stem in part from social media, where language has become less restrained (Armin Laschet, social media, social-political polarization).
