What's next?

#306

Presumably the next German Chancellor: Friedrich Merz from the conservative CDU / Screenshot of the public broadcaster Deutsche Welle

Friends of Democracy,

The federal election in Germany is over (see results).

Now begins what is one of the most critical parts of democracy: finding compromises.

The search for majorities requires approaching each other. Looking each other in the eye. Getting along. But for that to happen, the election campaign before must have been reasonably fair. Language and methods must have remained within the bounds of not only what is legally permitted but also what is morally acceptable.

I think this election campaign that has now passed had few negative slip-ups (apart from the extreme fringes). At least not compared to others before. When I think of the choice of words, gestures and tactics of the politicians of my childhood (for example, I vividly remember some rude speeches of the then Bavarian Prime Minister and CSU leader Franz Josef Strauß), I have the impression that election campaigns are more civilized today.

However, nowadays, there is one big difference compared to my childhood and youth: the emergence of social media.

Polemics, exaggeration, insolence bring broad reach on the internet. With three consequences.

Only the first suggests that the tone will become rougher.

Firstly, politicians choose words, topics and actions that promise broad reach. You can't blame them. Politicians live from being heard and seen.

Secondly, such exaggerated and insulting (and therefore widespread) content is seen by many people (obviously). As a result, people think that political discourse is becoming more and more blatant. But in reality, that may not be the case. People just see more of the things that upset them.

Thirdly, the internet does not forget. Mistakes go viral. Politicians today have to be more careful than ever about what they say. A speech in the pub of one's constituency has the potential to make a politician famous. But also to end their career. That can have a disciplining effect.

So the impression that the tone is becoming rougher may be misleading. Just because we see more of it doesn't mean there is more of it.

In any case, after yesterday's election, the time for compromises has begun in Germany. I am confident that they will be found.

See you in Germany,

Johannes Eber