Schleswig‑Holstein’s Minister President Daniel Günther (CDU) is demanding that the federal government pursue reforms without taboos and without fearing electoral repercussions. “I am firmly convinced that people will accept more change and cuts than politicians assume” he told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”. He argues that politicians must make it clear to citizens that they are living in an era that requires reform and that no taboo should exist around this process.
Günther says parties should not fear that voters will turn away if they introduce reforms. He believes voters would actually abandon them if no changes are made, even when those changes are obvious and necessary. Otherwise, citizens will feel that politics is failing to solve existing problems. He forecasts that taking action now will pay off for both the Union and the SPD in the September state elections in Saxony‑Anhalt, Berlin, and Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania. “Decisive action is the only counter‑measure against the AfD” he added.
He stresses that people do not need admonitions or suggestions that they simply need to work a little harder to bring the country back on track. Politicians should avoid language that makes citizens feel personally attacked. Günther refers to remarks from his party over recent weeks and months that have sparked this discussion.