Six mayors in SH resigned: A call for help for true recognition!

Six mayors in SH resigned: A call for help for true recognition!

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland - in Schleswig-Holstein, six mayors have laid their offices in a worrying wave in the past few months. These resignations are in the context of an increasingly tense political atmosphere, which is characterized by overload and hostility. The situation in small communities has intensified so that the protection of the constitution has recorded an increasing number of crimes against official and mandate bearers in 2023. Particularly alarming is the fact that there are no special statistics on attacks on mayors, such as KN-Online reported.

This leads to a clear call after a return to a respectful culture of dispute in which there are subjects in the first place. In hosts and hate comments, which are increasingly focused on municipal decision -makers, are the focus of the discussion. Too often these attacks begin on locally important topics, such as road and construction planning. This brutalization of dealing with each other is also strong in corona pandemic, where municipalities had to implement decisive measures that did not always find positive response.

difficult framework conditions for local politicians

The working conditions for mayors must be fundamentally improved. In addition to the need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, an increase in expense allowance is required. This could make the volunteering of local politics more attractive and help to win more young people. The focus is on strengthening the resilience of the official and mandate providers, because many withdraw, while most of them are voluntary and is therefore particularly in need of protection. It is important that the municipal level is no longer neglected and that the public is sensitized more to the challenges with which these politicians are faced with, as on dStgb .

The need for better cooperation between the countries is pointed out in order to make the work environment more secure for local politicians. Many of these politicians are now affected by hostility that not only affects themselves, but also their families. A worrying trend- especially compared to previous years, where the attacks mostly aimed at federal and state politicians, as the analysis by Miriam Marnich shows.

The way forward

decision -makers in politics are required to promote constructive criticism and offer the citizens a forum in which they can express their concerns. The aim is to create a climate of respect and recognition that leads to a positive discussion culture. In order to combat the crisis of trust in political institutions, especially in East Germany, it is important to involve the citizens at the local level and to show them that their voices are heard.

The current development in Schleswig-Holstein shows how important it is to tackle the increasing hostility and hatred in politics. A positive turn can only be brought about through joint action to strengthen the basis of democratic structures and to make local politics attractive and respected again.