Foto: Bundesregierung/Jesco Denzel
As part of the "Local Time Germany" programme, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier regularly leaves his official residence in Berlin's Bellevue Palace to visit various regions of Germany. In doing so, he specifically focuses on direct dialogue with local citizens. His journey also took him to the Hanseatic city of Stendal in Saxony-Anhalt, where he set up his official residence for three days. On site, he took time for the people and dealt with issues that affect the region.
Direct dialogue with citizens
During his time in Stendal, Steinmeier took part in several events where he not only held planned talks, but also spontaneously got in touch with citizens to hear their perspectives and concerns.
"He invited me in person, completely unexpectedly, during a visit to the theatre the evening before," reports Heiko Wisny, Regional Advisor Specialist in Focus in the Altmark. During a performance at the Altmark Theatre, Mr Wisny had the opportunity to discuss current issues with the District Administrator of Stendal, Patrick Puhlmann, and other attendees - and thus also get into conversation with the Federal President. "It was a great honour and I immediately agreed, albeit uncertainly," says Heiko Wisny.
Respectful dialogue at the "controversial coffee table"
At the "bohne&praline" coffee shop in Stendal, Steinmeier discussed topics such as immigration, the shortage of skilled labour and arms deliveries to Ukraine with the citizens.
Regional advisor Heiko Wisny presented the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus and focussed in particular on the issue of the shortage of skilled workers. The Altmark region is sparsely populated, which makes the challenges facing rural areas all the more apparent. Issues such as demographic change, inward and outward migration and the shortage of qualified skilled labour are key challenges that the region must address
This is precisely where we, as the state initiative Fachkraft im Fokus, come in and support companies in attracting and retaining qualified staff in the long term.
Federal President Steinmeier praised the open and respectful culture of discussion that he experienced in Stendal: "I am very grateful for the willingness of the people around the table not only to be there, but also to listen to each other and recognise that there are different points of view. A high-level debate," he wrote in a post on social media.
With his visit to Stendal and his direct approach to the citizens, Steinmeier sent a strong signal of how important dialogue between political decision-makers and the population is - especially in times of major social and economic challenges.
