Steinmeier on home visit: Citizens' Dialogues and Bratwurst in Neuruppin!

Steinmeier on home visit: Citizens' Dialogues and Bratwurst in Neuruppin!

This day, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier took his three-day trip to Neuruppin, which takes place from July 1 to 3. The aim of his visit is to talk directly to the citizens and get to know the charming city with its 32,000 inhabitants, known as the birthplace of personalities such as Theodor Fontane, Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Eva Strittmatter. During his stay, Steinmeier is not only accompanied by security guards, office workers and journalists, but also by a charming reception, in which many citizens greet and ask for photos.

What does he have to offer? In addition to a warm atmosphere and tranquil walks through the city, various activities are on the program. This includes visits to a canoe club and a dragon boat trip on Lake Ruppin. The open-air reading with the award winner of the Fontane Literature Prize, Lisa Kränzler, which is introduced to the history of the city, and visiting the Galerie for Contemporary Art "Kunstraum Neuruppin" will also be exciting. Steinmeier has announced that he does not want to swing big speeches, but would rather use the time for personal conversations with the residents.

real citizens' dialogue in focus

A central element of Steinmeier's visit is the lasting citizens' dialogue on the subject of German unity, which is part of the "Local Steep Time Germany" series. As he himself emphasizes, the Federal President would like to give an impulse against the negative culture of conversation and strengthen the exchange and encounter through the dialogue. According to the reports of citizens 'dialogues that have become more important in Germany, the inclusion of citizens' opinions for politics is of the greatest importance, even if there is always criticism of the lack of implementation of results. As reports Tagesschau.de, many doubts about the practical consequences of such dialogues and speak of a growing distance between politicians and citizens.

Steinmeier leads his official business from Neuruppin during his stay and meets with the mayor and parliamentary group leader. The discussion in the multi -generation house about developments in Neuruppin will be an exciting facet of his program. The local group of the Technical Relief Agency (THW) is also visited here, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The technical discussion in the district court of Neuruppin about domestic violence is also very interesting, a topic that needs more attention in society.

a sign of connection

As part of the end of his trip, Steinmeier will carry out a award ceremony in the cultural church to committed citizens from Brandenburg. Such moments are important in order to appreciate the diversity and commitment that strengthen the communities. Steinmeier has created the “local time” as a platform in order to promote dialogue, especially according to the challenges of the Corona Lockdown. This is the 16th station in its series, which stops in Brandenburg again after Senftenberg and ties up with tradition, to bring people closer to the feeling of participation and participation in democracy.

for Steinmeier it is certain: "Exchange and encounter are essential for our democracy." It remains to be seen how the encounters are recorded in Neuruppin and whether they lead to a real participation of the citizens. At a time when trust in politics often leaves a lot to be desired, each dialogue is a step in the right direction.