What happens when people lose basic trust in the political system? Then the proportion of non-voters increases. Or (right-wing) extremist groups such as the Reichsbürger who believe that German democracy does not exist are strengthened. Just last week, 25 people were arrested. Including a former AfD member of parliament and judge, but also members of the armed forces and police. Actually those responsible who are trained to defend and protect democracy based on the separation of powers. However, it would be too simplistic to simply claim that all people whose confidence in democracy is waning have extreme views. Anita Blasberg is a journalist at “Zeit”. For her book “The Loss – Why not only my mother lost her trust in our country” she met people all over Germany who spoke openly about the reasons for their dwindling trust. In the 424th episode of “today important” she summarizes: “Many people no longer have the feeling that something is really being tackled politically on the issues that are important to them.” This includes the climate crisis, but also everyday worries such as rising rents or problems in the health or education sectors. Systems that are at the limit, according to Blasberg: “We know what’s going wrong in these areas. There are also many suggestions that are on the table about what should be changed. But nothing happens. And that gives many people food for thought .”
Many people have tipping points. Moments when entire groups suffer a loss of trust in politics, the police or the media. For people in the east, behavior after reunification is part of it, according to Blasberg: “In the greater Halle area, for example, one in four was unemployed. And that was the point at which Gerhard Schröder’s political agenda entered the field, and so did these unemployed people still had the feeling: It’s your own fault, maybe you need to move.” Other tipping points are the NSU and its processing, especially for people with a migration background, or the political reaction to the financial crisis of 2008. The result: these people are turning away from the institutions.
Crises could also be used to regain the trust of citizens. The author is certain that this is still possible. Trust can be re-established if the state proves its ability to act, says Anita Blasberg: “And not by paying out money, but by finally tackling a few important points.” So turns on the big, systemic adjustment screws. The health care reform by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, for example, could be a start. However, distributing money to everyone is not the solution per se: “You do the citizens an injustice if you think they just always want money. That’s often misjudged by politicians, I think.” Rather, it emerged from their conversations that speech and action must be more in line. What is promised should then also be delivered. Individual direct-democratic elements could also help to strengthen the trust of the citizens again.
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