Germany’s political elite are signaling a collective desire to disconnect this holiday season, revealing a surprising trend of prioritizing personal well-being amidst ongoing political pressures. From the Finance Minister to the leaders of the Green Party and the Left, several prominent figures have publicly stated intentions to curtail their engagement with digital media and the constant demands of their roles.
Lars Klingbeil, Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister, emphasized the necessity of “coming down, recharging and gaining distance from the hectic everyday routine”. He plans to significantly reduce screen time and news intake, a sentiment echoed by SPD co-leader and Labour Minister Bärbel Bas, who intends to “consciously switch off from the political business” and forego public appointments. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf is similarly opting out of the news cycle by abstaining from political podcasts.
The movement transcends party lines. Felix Banaszak, co-leader of the Green Party, is eschewing fast food in favor of home-cooked meals, while Green parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge seeks a complete respite from work, prioritizing time with family and neighbors – a tradition of shared Glühwein and sekt meetings. Parliamentary Vice President Bodo Ramelow (Left) clearly stated his intention to avoid constant accessibility, opting instead for a pre-holiday vacation with his wife. Jan van Aken, leader of the Left party, hopes to avoid the digital comparisons and email deluge that often pervade the holiday season, instead favouring a slow and deliberate start to each day.
While seemingly innocuous, the collective acknowledgement of burnout and the stated intent to disconnect reveals a growing anxiety within the German political landscape. The relentless pressure of governing in a period of economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability is clearly taking a toll, even on those in positions of power. This public embrace of disconnecting could be interpreted as either a genuine effort to promote well-being within a demanding profession or a carefully crafted strategy to project an image of relatable humanity – a quiet pushback against the perceived detachment of the political class. Whether a genuine shift in working practices or a performative gesture remains to be seen, the message is clear: even in the heart of German politics, the need for respite is paramount.
