Foto: Bundesregierung/Jesco Denzel
As part of the “Ortszeit Deutschland” initiative, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier regularly leaves his official residence at Bellevue Palace in Berlin to visit various regions of Germany. In doing so, he deliberately focuses on direct interaction with local residents. His travels also took him to the Hanseatic city of Stendal in Saxony-Anhalt, where he set up his temporary office for three days. While there, he took the time to meet with residents and address issues of concern to the region.
Direct Dialogue with Citizens
During his time in Stendal, Steinmeier took part in several events where he not only held scheduled meetings but also spontaneously engaged with residents to hear their perspectives and concerns.
“He invited me completely out of the blue, in person, while we were at the theater the night before,” reports Heiko Wisny, a regional advisor for “Fachkraft im Fokus” in the Altmark region. During a performance at the Theater der Altmark, Mr. Wisny had the opportunity to discuss current issues with Patrick Puhlmann, the district administrator of Stendal, and other attendees—and thus also to strike up a conversation with the Federal President. “It was a great honor, and although I was a bit unsure, I accepted immediately,” says Heiko Wisny.
Respectful Dialogue at the “Kaffeetafel kontrovers”
At the “bohne&praline” café in Stendal, Steinmeier discussed topics such as immigration, the shortage of skilled workers, and arms deliveries to Ukraine with local residents.
Regional advisor Heiko Wisny presented the state initiative “Fachkraft im Fokus” (Focus on Skilled Workers) and focused particularly 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 in and out of the region, and the shortage of qualified skilled workers represent key challenges that the region must address.
We, as the state initiative “Fachkraft im Fokus,” are addressing these very issues and supporting companies in attracting and retaining qualified personnel over 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 present, but to listen to one another and acknowledge that there are different points of view. A high-level debate,” he wrote in a social media post.
With his visit to Stendal and his direct engagement with citizens, Steinmeier sent a strong signal about how important dialogue between political decision-makers and the public is—especially in times of major social and economic challenges.
