"Eastern complaints are growing in volume"
Heinz Skorwider, a media and advertising consultant, has expressed his concerns about the persistent complaints from some regions in the East of Germany, particularly regarding welfare and right-wing extremist positions. In a series of statements, Skorwider has highlighted the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding the issue of welfare and benefits, emphasising that access to social benefits is regulated by law and applies equally to all residents meeting the necessary criteria, regardless of their origin.
Skorwider noted that asylum seekers did not receive welfare or have a claim to pensions in the first years and often had to live in shelters or containers for a long time. However, he criticised the growing complaints about these issues, stating that they are largely false. He emphasised that child benefit, parental benefit, and housing benefit were provided from the first day in the East without own contributions.
The consultant also addressed the perception that foreigners disproportionately receive welfare and benefits in Germany. He acknowledged the economic challenges in the eastern regions of Germany and the need for continued investment to stimulate growth and development. He encouraged an informed public discourse to counter misinformation and foster social cohesion.
Skorwider's comments have resonated with many, with many in the comment section agreeing with his perspective and finding it insightful. One commenter described the unemployed East German as "rescued by the West" and found it disgusting, while another criticised the large corporations, tax evaders, and the wealthy for "getting everything."
The man expressed his concerns about the current challenges facing the East, including economic stagnation, skills shortage, competition from Asia, bureaucracy, rising costs, and decreasing trust in politics. A woman who describes herself as an "Ossi" critically noted that a lot of money was invested in the 'East' but a lot was also earned in and around the East.
Skorwider finds the AfD voter share of sometimes 30 to 40 percent in the East perplexing and has expressed his concerns about the anger towards refugees and their families. He has stated that this approach is not the solution to the challenges facing the East.
In a Facebook post, Skorwider clarified that he is not directing his criticism against all East Germans. Many customers in the East need to adapt as companies announce the end of cash, adding to the economic challenges facing the region. Skorwider believes that the anger towards refugees and their families is the wrong approach and advocates for a more informed and compassionate public discourse.
- Heinz Skorwider, in a Facebook post, emphasized the importance of a more informed and compassionate public discourse about the challenges in the East, particularly concerning politics, war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general news, such as the growing anger towards refugees and their families.
- The ongoing polarized discussions about welfare and benefits in Germany, frequently emphasized in politics, general news, and social media, have led many, including Skorwider, to question the accuracy of some claims, such as the misconception that foreigners disproportionately receive welfare, and the need for a more balanced and inclusive dialogue about these topics.
