Given the public’s declining confidence in the federal government, the German Association of Cities and Municipalities is appealing to the black-red coalition for greater pragmatism and improved communication.
Speaking to the “Funke”-Media Group, Chief Executive André Berghegger noted that citizens expected the country to be capable of action and that things would improve, which would make them willing to temporarily accept burdens and restrictions. “A significantly clearer and better communication of federal policies is needed immediately” he stated.
Berghegger urged the government to adopt “more pragmatism” arguing that it is crucial to halt what he termed the “political trivialities” and instead focus on issues that truly concern the populace from the democratic center. He warned that further disputes over minor policy details are unhelpful and only strengthen anti-democratic influences in the country.
He outlined several priorities for the federal government, starting with the consolidation of state finances. This financial stability is necessary to allow for investments in the nation’s future. Berghegger argued that merely adhering to established positions would not advance the country. He stressed that all democratic parties must jointly commit to this goal and be prepared to set aside previous demands. He emphasized that the public has lost patience for dispute; escalating arguments are eroding opportunities for positive national change, and if there are no remaining avenues for political action, the democratic foundation of the country is destabilized.
Furthermore, he insisted that maintaining finances requires strictly adhering to the commitments made in the coalition agreement and implementing them by the summer recess. These commitments include the coalition’s statements regarding the future viability of social security systems and the relief measures promised to municipalities under the principle of “who orders, pays”. According to Berghegger, a lack of financial resources, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited planning freedom in cities and towns gravely undermine overall confidence in the state’s ability to solve problems.
In addition to financial stabilization, policy must focus intently on both internal and external security. Berghegger warned that any effort to improve Germany’s defensive capabilities and effectively combat crime would fail, thus undermining all efforts towards German stability. Finally, he argued that strengthening the trust of the people in the state and democracy itself must serve as a core governmental focus. He suggested the federal government should model itself on local governance, which focuses less on internal political disputes among democratic parties and more on solution-oriented action for the common good. Such commitment to local cohesion, he concluded, is something the citizens would deeply appreciate.