Elisabeth Kaiser, the Federal Government’s Representative for Eastern Germany from the SPD, has issued a warning about the emergence of new regional stereotypes among young people, while also advocating for increased immigration and a reform of taxes targeting the wealthy.
Kaiser noted that new perceptions of being from Eastern Germany are being fostered through social media content. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel” newsletter “Im Osten,” she mentioned observing an event where she asked young people what they associated with Eastern identity. Some responded that they felt “we are tougher than West Germans, we can drink more, and are not so soft.” She found it thought-provoking that, for some young people, Eastern identity seems to express itself through notions of exceptional toughness and resilience-a perception she believes is influenced by the experiences of parents and grandparents whose lives were profoundly shaken by the reunification. Kaiser stated that the strong identification with the East only increased after the reunification took place.
Looking toward a better future for Eastern Germany, Kaiser demanded an influx of immigrants alongside policies to reform the taxes on the rich. Addressing people from the East, she emphasized that being open to new people is just as vital as retaining local youth. She argued that international companies will only establish themselves if foreign specialists are welcomed. She cited instances, such as a foreign doctor in the Gera Clinic she learned of, who faced discrimination on the street immediately after successfully operating on a local patient. “We must welcome people not just as labor, but as neighbors and community members. This applies to all people,” she insisted.
Furthermore, the SPD politician, who serves as a State Minister in the Federal Ministry of Finance, called for a tax overhaul. Kaiser warned against reforms that merely entail cutting the welfare state or deregulating too many aspects, stating that such measures would not lead to an economic upturn. She recalled that the Agenda 2010 policies incurred high social costs, particularly in the East. While jobs were created, she pointed out that many were low-wage positions, often forcing people into minimum-wage jobs for years. “The promise of unity-to create a prosperous society for everyone-did not come true for these people.” She therefore deemed it “important and right that we talk about taxes on wealth, capital, or inheritance.” Kaiser concluded that when individuals have to fear that their pension will be inadequate or that care costs will be unaffordable despite working, “then those with greater means must contribute a larger share.”
