Steinmeier on site: Citizen dialogue and surprises in Neuruppin!

Steinmeier on site: Citizen dialogue and surprises in Neuruppin!

In Neuruppin, the birthplace of famous personalities such as Theodor Fontane, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier moved his official residence for three days today. The visit is part of the “Local Time Germany” series, which was launched in 2022 to talk directly to citizens and get to know local developments. Steinmeier literally changed his perspective and traveled by train, accompanied by onlookers and regional politicians who warmly welcomed him at the train station. A protest poster from the Greens calling for a better pace for the RE6 got people talking right from the start and shows that local issues also reach the president.

What is happening in the city and how will the citizens react to the surprise visit? It came as a surprise to many when Steinmeier entered a bookstore, bought four books and paid 77 euros in cash for them. “I am here to listen and speak, not to make big speeches,” he emphasized during his tour of the city, which led him, among other things, to Doris Müller, a former dialysis nurse. On the market square, Steinmeier enjoyed herbal tea and a bratwurst, while citizens enthusiastically wanted to take photos with him.

A look behind the scenes

An administration reception took place in the town hall, at which Steinmeier entered the honor book. His official business will be conducted from Neuruppin for the next few days. It was particularly exciting in the dragon boat duel, where he competed against the Neuruppin mayor's team, but was not victorious. The visit is all about personal conversations and building relationships, as the subsequent coffee table with citizens made clear. Developments since reunification were discussed here and uncomfortable topics were also deliberately discussed.

Steinmeier's visits are not just an individual event, but part of a larger plan. “Neuruppin local time” is the 16th station in this series and takes place in a city with around 32,000 inhabitants. The region is known for its culture and history, including being the home of Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Eva Strittmatter. His next few days in Neuruppin are filled with encounters: from conversations with the mayor and the parliamentary group leaders to visits to the canoe club and the gallery for contemporary art, to a “controversial coffee table” in the multi-generational house.

A focus on current topics

Steinmeier also plans to award medals of merit and to enter into discussions with various groups, including students at the Ruppin-Brandenburg University Hospital and representatives of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief. Another item on his agenda is the discussion about domestic violence in the Neuruppin district court. These points make it clear that the President not only acts as a representative, but also listens to the challenges and concerns of citizens.

In conclusion, it should be noted that Steinmeier's visit to Neuruppin not only strengthens local identity, but also builds a bridge to the people who often need an open ear and a platform for their concerns in these times. A lively city like Neuruppin offers the ideal backdrop for this exchange.

You can find more details about Steinmeier's visit here RBB24 find out and the official announcement from Federal President read. For more information about recent official visits, take a look MZ.