Germans Deserve Respect - Politicians Need to Recognize Their Intelligence Now
Honest Communication Key to Rebuilding Trust and Addressing Reforms in Germany
In the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent vaccination rollout, the importance of honesty and clear communication in political decision-making has been brought to the forefront. A lack of openness and an error culture has led to a significant decline in trust in political institutions and politicians, according to Dario Schramm, a Public Affairs Manager at simpleclub, member of the SPD, and former federal student representative.
Schramm, who is currently studying politics and law and is expected to complete his degree in winter 2024, has been vocal about the need for reforms in Germany. He believes that honesty in political communication could have prevented significant declines in trust and upswings of political extremes.
One of the key areas where dishonest communication has had a detrimental impact is the handling of the coronavirus and the initial claim that vaccination is a guarantee against general infection. This claim, later proven false, has contributed to a decline in trust in political leaders.
Similarly, the communication about the smooth running of integration and migration, despite the visible strain on resources, has also contributed to a decline in trust. Many municipalities reached their limits during the process, with sports halls and other facilities being insufficient for accommodation.
Schramm argues that honest admission of mistakes and clear communication about the advantages of vaccination could have prevented confusion. He also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the challenges of integration and migration to prevent an upswing of political extremes.
The approach of avoiding rocking the boat and maintaining the status quo, as seen in Angela Merkel's policy, has been politically unwise, as it has delayed crucial reforms in various areas of the state. Schramm suggests that honest communication, without making empty promises, is key to addressing the need for reforms in Germany.
People in Germany want to see real reforms and are calling for politics to be brave enough to make mistakes. Schramm regularly publishes guest contributions expressing various opinions on public issues, and his book "The Neglected," published by DroemerKnaur in 2022, offers insights into the need for change and the importance of honest communication in politics.
By fostering an open error culture and honest communication in politics, democratic stability can be upheld, and extreme political reactions can be mitigated. Research in political communication broadly supports that transparency and error acknowledgment by politicians are crucial for maintaining public trust and reducing extremist appeals.
References:
- Political Communication Institute
- Pew Research Center
- OECD
- European Union
- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Transparency and honest communication in policy-and-legislation, particularly in politics and general-news, are essential for rebuilding trust and fostering democratic stability. As demonstrated in Germany, dishonest communication can lead to a decline in trust, upswings of political extremes, and the delayed implementation of reforms. According to Dario Schramm, who has been vocal about the need for change, acknowledging mistakes and clear communication are key to addressing reforms and reducing extremist appeals.
