Ricarda Lang, the former head of the German Green Party, took to the airwaves last Sunday evening to voice her thoughts on leadership and the current state of German politics, engaging viewers with surprising self-criticism and raw honesty during her interview on the ARD program "Caren Miosga." Just weeks after stepping down from her role, Lang characterized her past statements as akin to "selling Mist für Gold" (selling manure for gold), shedding light on the challenges politicians face when trying to navigate the murky waters of public perception and political correctness.
"Man muss sagen, dass wir angefangen haben, Politik so sehr nach Gewinnen und Verlieren zu definieren," Lang explained, reflecting on the pressures she felt as party leader. With her resignation still fresh, she described her previous fear of what could happen if she spoke with clarity and truth. "Die Menschen haben das Gefühl: Die verheimlichen mir was," she noted, emphasizing how this avoidance has contributed to diminished public trust.
Lang's frank admissions came as she touched upon lessons learned from the failed coalition government—consisting of the SPD, Greens, and FDP—often referred to as the Ampel coalition. The talk show host, Caren Miosga, brought attention to the numerous crises facing the government, and Lang articulated concerns about how much of their communication had prioritized political image over substance.
Peer Steinbrück, the former SPD finance minister and fellow guest, echoed Lang’s sentiments, discussing the inherent fear within the political ranks to address difficult truths. “Wir haben in den letzten Jahren eine Regierung erlebt, die vieles – gerade in der Krisenbewältigung – hinbekommen hat, aber die auch viel an politischer Kultur kaputt gemacht hat," he said. Such observations, shared by both politicians, highlight the shared struggle within German politics to maintain authenticity, especially during crises.
Lang elaborated on her experience managing fear of skewed media coverage, noting how politicians often engage with the idea of "the schere im Kopf" (scissors in the head)—a worry about which 30-second soundbite might circulate online following their statements. She shared, "Die Schere konnte ich in die Ecke werfen," expressing relief now to speak without the weight of such concerns, free from the demands of her previous role.
"Wir müssen wieder anfangen, die Menschen mehr wie Erwachsene zu behandeln," Lang urged, calling for politicians to treat voters with respect and honesty. This, she insisted, is fundamental for rebuilding the trust politicians have lost amid the current climate of skepticism and fear.
Adding to the discussion, Steinbrück articulated the need for clarity, especially concerning Germany's defense policies amid the Ukraine conflict. He criticized the tendency of politicians to avoid discussing uncomfortable truths, stating, “Wir werden mehr arbeiten müssen" to meet the challenges of the current geopolitical climate. Steinbrück lamented the lack of courage among political leaders to address the hard facts about the nation’s workforce and economic health.
Lang did not shy away from criticizing her political adversaries, zeroing in on the Union's recent proposals as deceptive. “Wählerverarsche,” she asserted, speaking out against vague promises surrounding tax cuts without proper financial backing. This critique was echoed by journalist Robin Alexander, who emphasized the importance of political fortitude to safeguard the integrity of their commitments to the electorate.
The conversations among the guests highlighted the need for future political leaders to prioritize authentic engagement with the electorate, instead of sticking with vapid talking points. Lang lamented the general trend of liberally democratic figures becoming more self-congratulatory yet increasingly disconnected from reality.
Finally, as the discourse concluded, Lang left viewers with the stark reality faced by modern politicians: clear and honest engagement is often overshadowed by the fear of backlash for speaking truths. She argued, "Liberale Demokratien, die immer schwülstiger... werden sich irgendwann selbst zerstören." Despite the bleak outlook portrayed, she alongside her colleagues suggested the German populace still thrives on rational thought, urging current leaders not to shy away from discomforting discussions necessary for democratic health.
