you were almost 21 years at the top of the Hessian cities and municipalities. At the end of may, they are excreted out of the office. What is your assessment?
Ralf Euler
editor in the Rhein-Main-Zeitung, responsible for the Rhine-Main-part of the Frankfurt General Sunday newspaper.
F. A. Z.
When I took office and for an active civil society – a commitment of its actors-supported civil society promoted did not know many people in my personal environment, what was there – it was meant to be with. A few years later, this vision has become increasingly part of public debate. The local self-government is dependent on the commitment of their citizenship. The local self-government, you can also say local democracy, is the Basis of democracy at all. If it does not work on this Basis correctly, then it also runs in the country and in the Federal not around. I hope that I have helped to bring this knowledge into the public consciousness.
the municipalities for the Corona-crisis?
Corana provides the local authorities with major challenges. Many counties, cities and municipalities are in financial difficulties, and in a time in which the possibilities for further savings in the consolidation of the budgets have become extremely low .
Corona throws everything on the heap?
The Corona-crisis, challenge and opportunity at the same time. If Federal, state, and local authorities act together, we will overcome, perhaps strengthened from the crisis, because we have recognized what is significant and what is insignificant. With the Federal government and the state for the municipalities in the prospect of aid packages, one is on the right path. I regret, however, that in the Hessian Parliament, no group could be found cross-solution, how to distribute the funds.
It remains in the municipalities, at least not for everything as it is?
This is probably to be expected. At the end of may, in the framework of the Municipal financial equalisation is a way found, such as particularly hard-hit municipalities can be helped. It is important to ensure that a minimum standard is maintained.
Because the margin is close, decreases the willingness of many people to get involved at the local level politically.
to fear That is. At the end of the question, whether there are still enough people who are able and willing, and in local politics to work on. This is now immensely important, because in the local elections next year, it is important to prevent the AfD prescribed in the Hessian town meetings and local councils is gaining significant influence.
But there are other reasons for the unwillingness to assume local responsibility: mayor and other local politicians will be threatened, insulted, attacked. How can you advertise there successfully for active Engagement?
Difficult, very difficult and very dangerous. But doing nothing changes nothing. The political leaders must take the Concerns of the citizens, many of whom think that the make up there but what you want, seriously. Suggestions made in citizens ‘ assemblies, must be included. The suggestions made may not just disappear in the drawer. On the other hand, people need to understand that an attack on the local responsibility-bearing, mostly volunteer women and men is also an attack on their own city.
