Interview: „Die Wahrheit zu besitzen, macht zum Miesepeter“

In the recent Landtag election in Saxony-Anhalt, no party was able to establish a clear majority, leading to questions about the democratic implications of such a result. It is generally assumed that this lack of a decisive outcome may not lead to substantive changes in policy direction. However, the essence of democracy is not that no party can implement their preferred policy, but that electoral outcomes force parties to form coalitions and reach compromises.

The real danger would be if a party deemed to hold extremist right-wing views were to become the Minister President. It is striking how casually democratic structures are now being challenged even among the more moderate segments of society. Of course, reforms are needed, but much of what exists in Germany already functions well.

A reasoned optimism should be grounded in expertise rather than empty promises of political salvation. Let's discuss the CDU. Is it possible that the party may need to make too many compromises to remain relevant in the federal government? No, the compromises themselves are not the issue. The problem lies in the widespread uncertainty within the CDU about whether compromises might be seen as failures.

Those who treat their own compromises as defeats should not be surprised if voters judge them harshly for it.