Former Thuringian Minister-President Bodo Ramelow, a Left Party politician, wants to counter German populism with more direct democracy. “I’m primarily a supporter of more referendums, being more involved than just on election day” Ramelow told the Welt (Saturday edition). “Switzerland is doing well that way.”
Ramelow believes direct democracy is the best way to combat populism. “And I’m convinced that the crisis of the parliamentary party system would be solved differently if we supplement the foundation of democracy in parliament with the play leg of democracy: initiatives, plebiscites, citizens’ councils, and more participation, so that citizens feel they are part of the process and not just summoned to vote every five years.”
Ramelow criticized the fact that there was no debate and vote on a new constitution after German reunification, as he believes the country is obligated to do so according to the Basic Law, Article 146. “We never took this step after reunification. That’s simply not in order” said Ramelow.
According to him, this gap is also hindering German unity. “The elections show this: the emotional side of German unity is crumbling. The economic side has developed well” said Ramelow. A referendum would be “a signal that unity is a matter for the entire country, not just the East.” This has not yet fully taken root in the West, even after 34 years.