Internal security as a prerequisite for economic growth
The latest election results and the rising crime rate in Germany show that many people are concerned about the security situation in the country. Carsten Linnemann, Secretary General of the CDU, emphasizes in his June newsletter "Eigene Feder" that violent crime has risen sharply, with an average of 25 knife attacks per day. These developments not only influence the subjective feeling of safety, but also have a direct impact on economic stability and the investment climate in Germany.
A safe living environment is crucial to ensure a productive and flourishing economy. Companies are reluctant to invest in unsafe regions, and employees are less willing to commit to a career if they feel themselves and their families are under threat. It is therefore essential that Germany takes measures to strengthen internal security. Such an approach requires courage and determination from political leaders to implement strict and effective security measures.
In addition, the population must be involved in these security strategies. Through community safety programs and awareness campaigns, citizens can be encouraged to actively contribute to the safety of their neighborhoods. These collective efforts can strengthen trust in government institutions and lead to a more stable society.
Economic recovery through performance
The economic challenges Germany is currently facing are significant. According to a Swiss study, the competitiveness of the German economy has declined sharply. In just two years, Germany has fallen from 15th to 24th place among the most competitive economies. Linnemann criticizes the coalition government for ignoring this development and not taking any effective measures to strengthen the economy.
There needs to be a stronger focus on performance and innovation again. Targeted promotion of motivation can provide new impetus to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the German economy. Companies must create an environment that rewards motivation and promotes innovation. Linnemann criticizes the ignorance and arrogance of the current government, which does not take these problems seriously and instead dismisses the complaints of the economy.
Early performance orientation in the education system
It is important that young people are introduced to performance at an early age in order to prepare them for the challenges of the job market. Performance assessment systems such as grades and exams play a central role in school education. They not only help to measure pupils' learning progress, but also encourage them to make an effort and improve their skills. By comparing themselves with others, pupils learn to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and to work on them in a targeted manner.
In addition to the classic grading systems, the Bundesjugendspiele are also an example of how performance measurement can be integrated into everyday school life. These sporting competitions motivate pupils to test and improve their physical abilities. However, the idea of performance was weakened by a reform in 2023. Juliana Willie Hamburg (Greens) defends the reformed Federal Youth Games and emphasizes that the broader range of the Federal Youth Games has received positive feedback. The reform of the Federal Youth Games was intended to make the competition more child-friendly. However, there is also controversy. The Hessian Minister of Education, Armin Schwarz (CDU), advocates strengthening the performance aspect of the Federal Youth Games and criticizes the reforms as a "completely wrong direction". He emphasizes that it is important to teach children that achievement is an essential part of life. This debate reflects the broader discussion about the right approach to encouraging achievement and courage, which is relevant both in education and in society as a whole.
Welfare state and citizen's income: a balancing act
The citizen's income, which was introduced in 2022, has sparked a heated debate. Linnemann emphasizes that 1.5 million people moved from unemployment to employment between 2006 and 2022. However, since the introduction of the citizen's income, the number of recipients has risen by 200,000 people. Critics argue that this social benefit undermines the principle of "support and demand" and has a negative impact on people's willingness to work.
One possible solution could be a reform of the citizen's income that focuses more on incentives to take up work. Targeted measures and programs to help the unemployed re-enter the job market could reduce the number of people receiving the citizen's allowance. Linnemann emphasizes that companies are desperately looking for skilled workers and that the current social policy is counterproductive.
At the same time, care must be taken to ensure that social security and fairness are maintained. A balanced system that both incentivizes people to work and supports the most vulnerable in society can help to boost confidence in the welfare state and get the economy moving again. In this way, Germany can ensure that it can continue to afford the welfare state in the future without losing the willingness of its citizens to work.
Background and history
The debate about the balance between performance and social security is not new in Germany. Since the economic miracle of the 1950s, the country has developed into a strong welfare state that offers its citizens comprehensive support. However, these achievements are increasingly being put to the test by economic challenges and demographic changes. The question of how to promote performance and courage without jeopardizing social justice remains a key issue in German politics.
