“Immigrants’ political trust starts high – and declines over time,” says the We-ID project, which we have covered in detail.
Living in a better society, having a voice and being part of a democracy are among the most important factors people consider when choosing a new place to live. Before the rise of the AfD, Berlin and Germany seemed to offer an excellent place to pursue those aspirations.
But trust is being eroded.
Having no voting rights might seem like a small imperfection in an otherwise good life. But the problem goes beyond voting rights. It is about trust in the system itself.
Where is our well-functioning representative democracy? Where is the Berlin administration that lives up to Germany’s reputation for efficiency?
When people cannot vote, see a system struggling to deliver and watch politicians fail to fulfil their responsibilities, it is hardly surprising that political trust declines over time.
Arrogance makes things worse. When you cannot deliver – for whatever reason – people naturally expect humility. An admission of difficulties. A request for understanding and help.
Imagine a different message from politicians: We are trying hard, but we are not getting everything right. So we invite those of you who have come here from other countries to have a voice, to take part and to help us make things better together.
During a friendly debate, someone reminded me that citizenship is necessary for voting rights because citizenship also comes with duties.
“What duties do you mean?” I asked.
“Military service,” came the answer.
Oh. I was thinking of paying taxes, raising a family, contributing to the pension and healthcare systems, taking part in charitable activities, filling gaps in the labour market, contributing to GDP growth, creating jobs as entrepreneurs. Surely, that is already a long list of responsibilities.
Isn’t that enough to deserve a voice?
This is where trust breaks down: when people who contribute to a society feel that they are not fully recognised as part of it.
We need to talk. Germans and immigrants. People of different nationalities and social backgrounds. We need to listen to one another – not judge, but make room for each other’s perspectives. We need empathy.
But where do we meet people we do not already know? How do we find the time and space to listen to one another?
At WahlheYmat, we want to focus more on bringing people with different perspectives together. Not every conversation has to lead to a political decision. But every encounter can be a chance to understand one another a little better – and perhaps discover what we can do together.
Are you organising such a meeting or conversation? Please share it with us, and we will feature it here: heypost@wahlheymat.de.
(Header image: © Kelly Sikkema | Unsplash)
