Exciting political analysis in Freising: "Democracy suffers from Long-Covid"

The corona pandemic has subjected democracy to a stress test.

There was also an exciting political analysis in Freising.

Freising

- "German democracy suffers from Long-Covid", emphasized the political scientist Michael Weigl at the lecture "Infected Democracy?" Of the Evangelical Educational Institute in the Church of the Ascension of Christ.

In his opinion, however, this is not yet in the intensive care unit, although some developments would certainly cause him concern.

Who actually decides in such crises?

Söder, parliament or is it the people?

And what did Corona actually do with democracy?

Dean Christian Weigl introduced these questions to his brother, who was invited as a speaker that evening and ensured that the house was well filled.

Much, according to Michael Weigl, is ultimately not as easy to answer as it has been discussed and is still being discussed.

Balancing act between freedom and security

Two extremely important cornerstones are central to the democratic idea: freedom and security, which are also anchored in the Basic Law.

However, there has always been a certain tension between freedom on the one hand and security on the other - also apart from Corona.

The question, according to Michael Weigl, is therefore always: How do I balance this out?

Because there are always legitimate arguments for both points, depending on the perspective and position.

A simple yes or no can not be liked here and therefore no careless focus can be set - rather, it is an individual question of faith, and that would make the situation complex.

Politics through regulation - not exactly the ideal case

According to Michael Weigl, this area of ​​tension between freedom and security is at the same time the compass of society, and under no circumstances should one argue about it. The related conflict in society and politics has long since come to a head, according to Michael Weigl nothing has been done about it. On the contrary: in his opinion, this conflict became a conscious part of political competition. Politics are currently being made through regulations such as the current pandemic. Michael Weigl said that it was not intended that way, and ultimately only understandable for the beginning of the crisis. Because this meant that a political discussion in parliaments about such ordinances was no longer sufficiently possible - the ordinance per se would become a political act without the possibility of nuance.In his opinion, this is certainly not “the ideal case of a democracy”, because the influence of the parties in general also suffers from it.

The distance between citizens and politics is growing

In addition, there was almost no political opposition to the Corona issue, the decisions were simply supported by everyone, emphasized Michael Weigl.

Although a democracy cannot work without coercion, we should urgently talk to each other and seek a consensus in order to find the best solution for everyone.

The problem: Democratic decisions take a long time, which is why majority decisions are used in crises.

What also worries him: The long solidified “narrative of non-appreciation” of professional groups will occupy people for a long time to come - as will a federalism debate that will probably last for years. The distance between citizens and politics is growing, says Michael Weigl. And here he urged caution: "We have to get away from generalizations" when it comes to expressing opinions. Different opinions are not heard sufficiently and are immediately “moralized”; it would be time for a new culture of discussion a long time ago. He also lacks the positioning of intellectuals, as would have been common in the past. Because the basic idea of ​​a democracy to meet in the middle did not work according to Michael Weigl during the pandemic,the political balance suffered greatly as a result.

There was a big thank you from the guests, who were happy that such discussions are also being held in churches.

In the final discussion it became clear what concerns people: dealing with conspiracy theories, the loss of political influence or the role of society in times of crisis.

Richard Lorenz

Also worth reading: Despite the high vaccination rate: Whole class in quarantine - Corona order confuses school family

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