Interview: Axa-Chef Buberl: „Deutschland hat jetzt eine einmalige Chance“

The victory of the AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt has caused political turmoil in Germany. Initially, it was a shock, but we should not only criticize, but also ask why this is happening and what should be done. Many people feel that politics does not address the issues that matter to them. This should make us think. Many people are dissatisfied with the reform course.

I am not so sure about that. Most people understand that many things no longer work in Germany, but they increasingly question why so little is happening despite that. Organizing majorities has become more difficult, so it is even more important to involve the population more. People need to become more part of the solution. In France, for example, the "Grand Débats" during the Yellow Vest crisis showed how citizen participation can work: the President went to the regions, spoke with people, and took their ideas on board.

However, politically little followed from this. The problem is that when politicians collect a hundred proposals, they then have to say which three they will implement – or why none are convincing. Politicians often say they need to listen to the people, but listening alone is not enough. Subsequent impulses must be translated into concrete policy to actually improve people's situation.