Former Federal President Joachim Gauck urged the federal government to implement necessary reforms decisively and convince the public about their importance. Speaking to “Welt am Sonntag,” Gauck stressed that while it is easy to describe crisis scenarios, action is what is required now, noting that this could fundamentally change public sentiment.
Gauck warned that necessary changes involve political costs. He argued that “every real reform brings with it compromises,” adding that strong political leadership is needed to explain to the citizenry why these compromises must be accepted. He insisted that political parties must not ultimately capitulate to their own reservations.
He also criticized a perceived style of governance, suggesting that many political representatives have adopted a habit of waiting and merely managing because they are reluctant to take risks. Gauck asserted that “this administrative, wait-and-see governance destroys trust and does not present a positive image of the future,” warning that this damage strikes at the core of democracy. Due to these concerns, he expressed hope that the current coalition would avoid repeating the errors of the previous one.
Looking ahead to future reforms, Gauck advocates placing the common good above party interests, adhering to the principle of “the country first, then the party.” He suggested that while this is an old adage, it must always be kept in mind. He noted that young politicians, often driven by visionary ideals, sometimes lack realism. Instead, he wishes for the example of Franz Müntefering-someone who would say, “Let’s look at reality first, and only then your wishes.” The former president concluded by emphasizing that if the economy collapses, Germany cannot afford its social safety net in its current form, stressing that “without a functioning economy, nothing works.”
