What is governing but compromising? At least rule in a democracy. You need a majority, usually together with your coalition partners, but also within your own parliamentary group. Pure, uncompromising doctrine applies only to other systems – and even under authoritarian rule, the rules that apply are sometimes more illusion than reality. In this regard, the warning of the Federal President in the pension dispute is reasonable. Especially in light of the failure of traffic lights and the waning trust of many citizens in institutions and parties, the coalition must demonstrate its ability to act.
Many challenges
The abundance and nature of the challenges does not make this any easier, especially since fault lines also exist within individual groups – for example in confrontations between the young and the old. However, everyone – including every potential rebel who considers the concept of responsibility to have meaning – is urged to pay attention to his own interests, the interests of his group, and also the common interests. As a reminder: each representative represents the entire people. Parents should also care about the future of young people, and young people should care about the situation of their parents. The debate can be fierce, and everyone knows that threats and calls – from collective bargaining to international agreements – are directed not only at one’s own supporters, but are not the last word.
Everyone must be willing to reach an agreement. Now may be the time for revenge if you spoke too loudly during the election campaign. But the focus must be on the future. It’s not about agreement at any price, but about compromise with a sense of proportion. It’s easy to let something fail. But the consequences are serious. Compromise is not lazy, and voters do not necessarily turn away out of fear. Supporting the state – that is not a dirty word in a free community.
