Local politicians are also increasingly affected by messages of hatred, insults and threats.
Now there is a new support network.
That's good, says the Miesbach district administrator.
Miesbach
- He has not come up with the Corona rules, nor does he want to harm anyone with them. But even as the “bearer of bad news”, District Administrator Olaf von Löwis (CSU) had to listen to a lot in the past weeks and months. Löwis also received insults, insults and even threats against him and his family. Because this is what happens to many politicians - especially at the local level - the German Association of Cities, the German District Association and the German Association of Cities and Towns have developed the new portal “Strong in Office” together with the Körber Foundation. Starting today, Thursday, local politicians will be provided with information and contacts here in order to prevent attacks and master the challenge of an attack. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gives the go-ahead for the portal.In an interview, District Administrator Löwis (66) explains what he thinks as a person affected and how he is now.
Mr. von Löwis, the corona-related ban on day trips to the Miesbach district brought you not only criticism, but also insults and threats. Has that calmed down again?
Olaf von Löwis:
Yes, as far as this topic is concerned.
But the abuse never really stopped.
But I also experienced them before Corona and even as mayor of Holzkirchen.
Especially because of the many digital channels through which you can get rid of your frustration nowadays, the inhibition threshold has dropped significantly for some.
The pandemic and its effects on the daily life of many people has increased the intensity and frequency of such shitstorms again significantly.
Incidentally, many of my colleagues in politics also share this observation.
Also here in the Miesbach district?
Olaf von Löwis: Definitely
.
I have had many conversations on this topic over the past few weeks.
With colleagues from the district administration, but also with mayors here in the district.
You quickly realize that you are not alone with these worries.
At that time you chose to go public and also placed a complaint with the police. The right strategy?
Olaf von Löwis:
Absolutely.
It helped me a lot to talk about it and not just accept it.
Don't get me wrong: As a district administrator, I am even grateful for criticism because it opens up a new perspective.
But if it goes below the belt and then even my employees and family are insulted and threatened, I can no longer tolerate it.
How do you personally deal with such hate messages?
Olaf von Löwis:
In fact, I have a fairly high level of resilience, which I wouldn't have suspected before I took office.
But I realize that not everyone has that.
And that is exactly what makes me uncomfortable: How many capable people who would actually like to get involved in politics are this deterred from the outset?
This is a very worrying development of the political culture in our society.
So I think it's all the more important to take active countermeasures.
The newly created platform “Strong in Office” is ideal for this.
Perhaps this will encourage even more people to talk about their concerns and get support.
Also read: District Administrator angry about the beer barrel affair
Is this really still a taboo subject among politicians?
Olaf von Löwis:
I wouldn't go that far.
But I do think that some people prefer to keep these things to themselves because they don't want to show any weaknesses.
What actually came out of your ads?
Olaf von Löwis:
Unfortunately not much.
But I also made the mistake of deleting some heavy emails or comments.
Simply because I didn't want to burden myself with it.
But just talking to the police experts brought me a lot.
This also shows once again how important a network like “Strong in Office” is.
so-called
