Editorial 01-02/2024
Democracy project
Many people are taking to the streets these days because they are fed up with right-wing hatred and populism. Industry is also aware of its social responsibility. "Transformation as the project of the century" is the title of a paper published jointly by more than 50 German industrial companies from a wide range of sectors.
The initiator is the non-profit Climate Economy Foundation. The signatories include Telekom, Miele, Heidelberg Materials, Thyssenkrupp and Phoenix Contact. In the appeal, the companies commit to democracy and emphasize: "The events and crises of recent years have reinforced many failures in German economic, energy and environmental policy [...]." They issue a clear rejection of right-wing tendencies: "The new right is taking advantage of this and threatening not only our democracy but also our economic performance."
Climate protection and the corresponding transformation of the economy are also a challenge for companies, while uncertainty and skepticism inhibit the willingness to reform. The democratic parties now need to join forces and politicians need to ensure predictable, consistent economic framework conditions: "Reliable prospects offer [...] planning and investment security and keep far-right political fringes and populist voices down. Democracy is a location factor."
The companies are making very sensible proposals here, under which economic growth and climate protection are compatible. Politicians must now set about implementing them and internalize the fact that there is no more time for party political bickering and self-promotion, that the future of the country comes before clientele interests, that there must be an end to mutual recriminations. Applause for pithy words does not represent the majority, nor does chasing after the loudest voices achieve anything. Incidentally, the frequency of talk show appearances is not a measure of the accuracy of the same half-truths and sheer nonsense. What is needed are honest arguments, courage and a willingness to reach a consensus. The necessities are clear. Economic transformation and climate protection are not optional. Warlike aggression is neither a basis for discussion nor can it be relativized for any reason. We must continue along the path we have chosen with consistency - and above all, finally take concrete action.
Another topic: Meanwhile, one wave of strikes after another is rolling through the country. Of course, this should come as no surprise: in all the years when things were going well economically, there were always "good and important reasons" why social improvements were difficult to achieve. And now the collars burst in bad economic times. What can you say ... The arguments are now rather thin on the ground and therefore quickly in a predicament.
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