Kaufbeuren / District - It was raining when the messenger met Susanne Ferschl in front of her election office in Kaufbeuren.
The member of the Bundestag and deputy chairwoman of the parliamentary group Die Linke in the Bundestag has just come from her information booth in the city center.
She appears to be in a good mood and enterprising and confirms that this summer is different from the summers before not only because of the persistent rain.
In an interview with our newspaper, she explains why it is time for a social awakening, for a redistribution of the burdens on strong shoulders and more career changers in politics.
Ms. Ferschl, are election campaign events currently determining your schedule?
Ferschl:
“That's true.
We have been campaigning since the end of June.
The discussions with the citizens are simply part of that.
After a long time it is nice to experience a bit of normalcy and many personal conversations.
But Corona is also shaping this election campaign. "
You are committed to social justice. The slogan on your election posters is: “Together we will make the country fair!” Is there still a lot to be done and what is going wrong in terms of justice?
Ferschl:
“There is indeed still a lot to be done. And Corona in particular has exacerbated the situation again. If you just consider that Germany's millionaires became 100 billion euros richer during the pandemic. There were also around 70,000 new millionaires. On the other hand, there are people who have lost their income or even lost their jobs due to short-time working. I am also thinking of many self-employed individuals and medium-sized companies that have gone as far as going out of business. The differences have become very clear. A lot has to happen now. Starting with higher standard rates for Hartz 4 recipients, up to a higher minimum wage, better collective bargaining coverage, a fairer tax system and a one-off property levy to finance the costs of the crisis. "
What are you planning specifically?
Ferschl: “
We ask for a one-off property tax.
A tax only for the richest one percent of Germans, which would generate additional income of over 300 billion euros.
Then the minimum wage has to be increased to 13 euros and secure employment has to be ensured again.
And for Hartz 4, a higher standard rate must apply.
For us, that would be a first step towards a sanction-free minimum income of 1200 euros per month.
There will certainly be a huge discussion on the subject of pensions.
Because for us there are alternatives to extended working life, such as employment insurance, into which everyone pays.
And that's not all. "
You speak in particular of social justice. What's next?
Ferschl:
“Exactly. However, this is also closely related to the issue of climate justice. The richest ten percent are responsible for almost 50 percent of CO2 emissions in our country. Someone who has a large fortune leaves a very large ecological footprint. The climate measures that the German government has now taken affect those on a tight budget. By that I mean the increase in petrol prices or the additional costs for heating oil and gas. I would like to emphasize that the topic of ecology is actually also a question of intergenerational equity. Our children will feel the issue of climate change the hardest. But the ecological conversion is only socially just. "
With a view to Corona - how fair, socially acceptable and just in your assessment was the coping with the pandemic and the crisis management?
Ferschl:
“To say something positive: The federal government has done a lot that I didn't think was possible before.
The introduction of the short-time allowance was a sensible move.
As part of Hartz 4, the actual costs for accommodation were covered.
But then the government got stuck and there was a big imbalance because the measures were not socially balanced.
The left, for example, is calling for a minimum allowance for short-time work.
And with Hartz 4 there should have been a pandemic surcharge for additional expenses such as medical masks, hygiene articles and so on.
Instead, the government supported large corporations with billions, which then later cut staff. "
The ecological renovation is only socially fair.
Susanne Ferschl, The Left
There is still no end in sight and the general election is now in the middle of the fourth wave. What would Die Linke do differently and better?
Ferschl:
“The decisions have to be democratically legitimized in parliament. For example, we have always criticized the fact that measures were decided exclusively between the Chancellor and the Prime Minister. We call for an interdisciplinary pandemic council that, together with psychologists, other experts and those affected, illuminates the situation from different perspectives. If you look at the big picture, I would say that the starting position must now be used to shape a socio-ecological restructuring of society. Now we have to invest in sustainable industry and production. The federal government, however, wants the opposite, it wants to put the debt brake back into force. But that would stifle the upswing and weaken the economy again.Now is also the time for greater wealth taxation. "
How do you think we are going to get out of the pandemic?
Ferschl:
“In addition to measures to protect against infection, we urgently need to set the course for more social security.
People are insecure.
We can help them by putting the social security systems on a solid footing.
Take a look at pension insurance, unemployment insurance as well as health and long-term care insurance: A whole bunch of measures are necessary here to strengthen the welfare state, especially in difficult times.
In this context, we also criticize the fact that large companies have made use of short-time allowances and still pay dividends.
I feel that is extremely unfair socially, because it is de facto tax money that goes to the shareholders. "
So you want a major redistribution of the burden?
Ferschl:
“Exactly.
In fact, Die Linke stands for a better distribution of wealth and wealth in society.
Strong shoulders should have to carry more than weak ones.
Many people do not understand the federal government's setting of priorities.
"
Shouldn't a lot more money be invested in the health system at the moment? Can you understand that many people were and are dissatisfied with the government?
Ferschl:
“Yes, absolutely, that is difficult to understand. Beds were dismantled even during the Corona crisis. In addition, there is the massive nursing emergency. There are thousands of people in nursing who say, 'We're fed up now. We no longer do this job because we can no longer do it. ' We are facing a real problem. The cause is commercialization in healthcare. And I can think of something else: education and schools. This is now the second summer that has passed unused. And I wonder what we actually did to the children and young people with all the restrictions? In the area of education in particular, the social drifting apart has become very clear. A gap has arisen without an answer on how to close it again. "
Are we using this crisis and that of climate change to make a real departure for more justice?
Or let's just keep doing it.
Susanne Ferschl, The Left
In your opinion, are changes also possible in the pandemic policy?
Ferschl:
"In any case. This choice will set the course. Let us take a look at the election programs in which the Union and FDP aim to reduce the tax burden on those with high incomes and deficits in the federal budget are preprogrammed. But where is the money supposed to come from? Nobody pours us pure wine. Everyone says that something has to be done in pension insurance, but nobody admits that a higher retirement age is being considered. After the election, this demand will come back on the table, I am convinced of that. Then the loss-making health insurances ... I suspect that after the election it will mean that we have to increase the co-payments for health insurance. Or introduce a practice fee again or, or or. There are other solutions for all of this and for me the big question is:Are we now using this crisis and that of climate change to make a real departure for more justice? Or let's just keep doing it. In a way that permanently redistributes from bottom to top. "
Does that mean that this summer is also a special one because the choice can bring about a turning point in the familiar?
Ferschl:
“Yes, that's how I see it. In politics, I am sometimes disappointed about your shortsightedness and lack of plan.
But now is a good time to set the course for the long term.
We certainly cannot change the world overnight, but we can start changing direction now.
Towards more ecology and more social justice. "
What does Die Linke say about rent index and affordable housing?
Ferschl:
“We need significantly more social housing and the social bond should be unlimited. We even saw a decline in social housing construction during this legislative period. That is exactly the opposite of what we need. But this is the only way to stop the big investors who are only after profit. Which, by the way, is a general problem. Society is only geared towards profit in so many places when it is actually important to strengthen public services of general interest. Housing is a fundamental right. Health too. The railway, symbolic of mobility, would be another example; it should not be about pure profits. Here lies the responsibility of the rulers to provide genuine services of general interest to the people. "
Speaking of governing, is Die Linke ready to govern in a coalition and take responsibility?
Ferschl: “
As a former works councilor, I would call myself a pragmatist.
That is why I would definitely be in favor of a red-red-green coalition.
However, only if it is clear that important positions would be anchored in the coalition agreement for me.
And all those who contribute to a real improvement in people's living conditions. "
Does Die Linke see itself prepared for governance?
Ferschl:
“I went into politics to shape something.
That is sometimes difficult in the opposition.
You can move things there, but it is laborious and incredibly tedious.
So yes and yes - the left is armed. "
I hope that there will be enough overall for a red-red-green coalition.
Only in this way is real change possible.
Susanne Ferschl, The Left
Do you dare to make a prognosis? How does the election go, who will be Chancellor and where will Die Linke end up?
Ferschl:
“It will be really exciting.
Who of the three candidates for chancellor will be?
I dont know.
I don't have a preferred chancellor.
If I were to give a forecast, I would say Olaf Scholz will be Chancellor.
My impression is that after Angela Merkel he is someone who still exudes something like stability.
Of course, I hope that there will be enough overall for a red-red-green coalition.
Only in this way is real change possible.
I try to do this every day. "
A commitment that will also cost you a lot. In the spring, you received death threats on Instagram. How did you deal with that?
Ferschl:
“In fact, I faded that out to a relatively large extent.
Simply because this death threat came through social media.
It was kind of aloof and anonymous.
Unlike here in Kaufbeuren.
I had insults and insults of a very personal kind in the mailbox of the election office. That affects me more because this person was actually there.
Somebody bothered to drop in bad letters.
The Kaufbeur police gave me very professional support here.
Apart from the fact that she also caught the insulting person who wrote the letter.
The man had left fingerprints and was actually facing the right-hand scene. "
You have now been in the Bundestag for one legislative period. Has your life changed a lot?
Ferschl: “The center of
my life is now divided into two parts.
My husband has four grown daughters and I have no children of my own.
But even if you have "only" one partner, so to speak, whom you want to look out for, you have to come to terms with it.
There are many appointments, I travel a lot.
If you don't organize yourself well, you lose sight of each other.
And I know enough examples in Berlin where the marriage broke up.
Incidentally, my level of awareness is limited.
If I am recognized and asked about it, then I have to smile.
Otherwise I still feel like before. "
So you haven't regretted your journey into politics?
Ferschl: “
No, on the contrary.
I see my work as a passion for the issues of society.
Social justice, good living and working conditions, these are issues that drive me.
I didn't go into politics because I wanted to be a politician, but because I wanted to advance all of this.
That makes me a career changer, also in the party.
And I'm in exactly the right place in the Labor and Social Affairs Committee. "
Is that one of the reasons why citizens should vote for you?
Ferschl:
“There are a couple of good reasons, I would say.
I have years of practical experience in the company on exactly the topics for which I am responsible in the Bundestag.
Speaking for the constituency, the following applies: competition stimulates business.
I am a contrast to those who smugly make politics for their own sake.
I believe that it is good when someone like me sets other priorities and speaks for other groups.
I always direct the reference to the Allgäu and the administrative district of Swabia. "
Even if you like it in Berlin, do you miss the Allgäu homeland?
Ferschl:
“I am very close to nature.
I love the Allgäu nature and the mountains.
The time in the Allgäu also grounds me.
And that is a wonderful way to compensate for the work in Berlin.
A colleague once said that the Bundestag is like a spaceship and the longer you sit in it, the further you move away from the earth.
Somehow that's true.
That is why contact with the people here in the Allgäu is so important to me, it always brings me back.
Because despite all the work we politicians have many privileges, a kind of all-round carefree package.
There are many colleagues who no longer meet reality and who no longer succeed in putting themselves in the shoes of ordinary people.
I never want to be like that. "
Thank you for the interview
.