Germany's Democratic Challenges: The Need for Courageous Reforms

During the campaign for the Bundestag elections, political parties in Germany are making numerous promises, yet they often lack transparency towards the electorate, despite having established a fairness agreement. This situation undermines the essence of democracy and leads to widespread disillusionment, political stagnation, and increased social polarization. Consequently, any new government--regardless of its composition--may be destined for failure.

So, what potential solutions exist to enable Germany to finally implement the reforms that are long overdue? Germany's democracy currently grapples with three significant dilemmas.

The first dilemma is the fundamental incompatibility of the political parties' positions. Some factions advocate for a reduced role of the state in the market, opposing tax increases and heightened public debt, while others push for an expanded state, advocating for increased social benefits and greater support for specific industries. There is a stark divide on social policies, with some parties seeking to cut welfare programs and benefits for vulnerable groups, while others propose expanding pensions and social services, thereby intensifying wealth redistribution from younger to older generations. Additionally, conflicts arise over issues of identity and societal openness, exemplified by the government's efforts to streamline citizenship processes, contrasted with calls from other leaders to revoke citizenship from certain demographics.

The second dilemma involves escalating social polarization, fueled by a partisan approach that is increasingly characterized by zero-sum thinking. Each party attempts to bolster its own supporters at the expense of others, resulting in a lack of civic responsibility and coherent strategies for comprehensive reform that would benefit the country as a whole. Without widespread societal acceptance, many crucial reforms are likely to fail, as evidenced by the government's struggles in climate and environmental policy.

The third dilemma is the unrealistic election promises made by the parties. Each party commits to substantial increases in government spending but fails to address how these expenditures will be financed. This lack of honesty culminates in unrealistic claims that the government can enhance spending on education, infrastructure, and social services while simultaneously cutting taxes and reducing debt. Politicians do not trust the electorate with the truth--that without sacrifices, bold reforms, and concessions on existing privileges, the nation cannot secure its future. This negligence could impose a heavy burden on future generations as a consequence of current failures.

Historically, significant changes in democracies often occur only during times of profound crisis. Warnings from prominent figures about societal stagnation have been echoed in the past, indicating that a transformative shift is necessary. It took several years and a deep crisis for Germany to implement the Agenda 2010 reforms. However, the stakes are now considerably higher, as evidenced by the polarization seen in other democracies, such as the United States, where significant political divides have emerged despite attempts at effective governance.

To avert a similar fate, it is crucial for the Bundestag elections to embrace more transparency. A new government must address the aforementioned dilemmas by establishing a political agenda that mitigates social polarization and fosters broad societal support for necessary changes. Lessons from other democracies indicate that technocratic governments can sometimes provide viable solutions during crises. The example of Italy under Mario Draghi from 2021 to 2022 illustrates that a government focused on honesty and decisive reforms can restore public trust and confidence.

Alternatively, a coalition government comprising various democratic parties could be a solution, yet time is running out as political factions have burned many bridges with each other.