WITH THE CITIZEN ON EMPATHY - Researcher: Summer tours important for politicians
More and more government representatives in the Federal Government and in the States, according to Politic Scientist Uwe Jun from Trier, are on the move during summer tours. "The insight among politicians has grown that one should maintain constant contact with citizens. And that it could even be counterproductive if one only did it during election years," he told the German Press Agency in Saarbrucken.
Among the citizens, there would otherwise quickly emerge the feeling that "they only care about us because of the elections, otherwise we don't matter to them." Jun: "One wants to counteract this naturally."
Summer tours have the effect of demonstrating citizen proximity and attracting media attention. They are also used today for social networks because the conversations on site often provide "excellent photo opportunities." That is "perfectly legitimate."
More than 80 appointments
In Saarland, at the beginning of the holiday season, there are four representatives of the SPD-led government present at more than 80 appointments with citizens, association representatives, companies, and in cultural institutions and social facilities. Such visits are assessed positively by Juns. "Because the impression is created that someone cares, that one recognizes their needs and interests." Minister-President Anke Rehlinger (SPD) was also present at two market conversations on site.
- Jun, the politic scientist from Trier, highlighted the increasing trend of government representatives taking summer tours, as seen in Saarbrücken.
- During these summer tours, politicians aim to avoid the perception of only caring about citizens during election years, as pointed out by Jun.
- Uwe Jun appreciates the role of summer tours in demonstrating proximity to citizens and generating media attention, which can also be utilized for social media platforms.
- In Saarland, various government officials, including Minister-President Anke Rehlinger, participate in over 80 appointments during the summer, as reported by the German Press Agency in Saarbrucken.
