Foto: Bundesregierung/Jesco Denzel
As part of the "Ortszeit Deutschland" (Local Time Germany) initiative, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier regularly leaves his official residence in Bellevue Palace in Berlin to visit different regions of Germany. He focuses specifically on direct exchange with local citizens. This took him to the Hanseatic city of Stendal in Saxony-Anhalt, where he set up his official residence for three days. While there, he took time to meet with people and discuss issues that are important to the region.
Direct exchange with citizens
During his time in Stendal, Steinmeier took part in several events, where he not only held planned discussions, but also spontaneously engaged with citizens to hear their perspectives and concerns.
"He invited me completely by surprise, in person, during a theater visit the evening before," reports Heiko Wisny, regional advisor for skilled workers in the Altmark region. At a performance at the Altmark Theater, Mr. Wisny had the opportunity to discuss current issues with the district administrator of Stendal, Patrick Puhlmann, and other attendees – and thus also to strike up a conversation with the Federal President. "It was a great honor, and although I was unsure, I immediately accepted," says Heiko Wisny.
Respectful dialogue at the "controversial coffee table"
At the "bohne&praline" café in Stendal, Steinmeier discussed topics such as immigration, the shortage of skilled workers, and arms deliveries to Ukraine with citizens.
Regional advisor Heiko Wisny presented the state initiative "Fachkraft im Fokus" (Focus on Skilled Workers) and focused in particular on the issue of the shortage of skilled workers. The Altmark region is sparsely populated, which clearly highlights the challenges facing rural areas. Issues such as demographic change, migration and the shortage of skilled workers are key challenges that the region must address.
We, as the state initiative "Skilled Workers in Focus," are addressing precisely this issue and supporting companies in attracting and retaining qualified personnel in the long term.
Federal President Steinmeier praised the open and respectful culture of discussion he experienced in Stendal: "I am very grateful for the willingness of the people around the table not only to be there, but to listen to each other and acknowledge 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 address to the citizens, Steinmeier sent a strong signal about the importance of dialogue between political decision-makers and the population – especially in times of great social and economic challenges.
