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Steinmeier expects the mandatory time debate to continue
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sees an opportunity for everyone in a mandatory period. photo
© Silas Stein/dpa
In the debate about a social “compulsory time” the opinions differ. Despite criticism, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier considers it a good thing.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is sticking to his proposal for a social “compulsory time” despite widespread criticism and expects the debate to continue in the autumn.
“It didn’t surprise me that not everyone agreed immediately,” he told the German Press Agency in Berlin. “I perceived the debate in such a way that after a few spontaneous reactions, a pleasingly differentiated weighing of arguments began.” He does not fear that the debate will peter out.
“We don’t know exactly what to expect in the autumn, but it is certain that the question of how we can regain more community spirit will be an urgent one in the autumn,” said Steinmeier. Germany is facing major challenges such as the war in Ukraine, climate change, and secure and affordable energy and food supplies. “We will therefore all have to consider together how we want to live together as a society in the future. I’m sure we will also debate the possibilities and opportunities of compulsory social time.”
Sharp criticism of Steinmeier
Steinmeier had received strong opposition for the debate he had initiated about a compulsory time for everyone with a service to society. Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens) and Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP), for example, immediately rejected the proposal.
The Federal President reported that he had received many letters in the past few weeks, some skeptical, some approving. He is particularly pleased that very young people have also spoken out. “They don’t all agree, but are willing to discuss. Many of them are strongly in favor of expanding the opportunities for voluntary service.”
Here, however, Steinmeier was skeptical. “I am very pleased that there are so many volunteers who are involved. But one question is how we can reach those who, for a variety of reasons, do not want to or are unable to get involved, who remain in their milieus.” Our society lives from “the fact that the many bubbles – social, political, cultural – can mix,” said the Federal President. “The experiences of the past few years show that an impetus is needed for this, and that could be the social obligation time that everyone takes part in.”
Compulsory social time as an opportunity
From Steinmeier’s point of view, compulsory social time could offer an opportunity to bridge the growing social distance in society. “We live in a time when many people grow up and stay in their social bubble, first in school, then in training or studies.” This then continues at work and also via social media. He wishes “that we find ways to meet again across the different borders”.
Steinmeier emphasized that his idea leaves a lot of room for debate about its design. “It doesn’t have to be a year that men and women could do for society, it can also be a few months. Maybe you can flexibly distribute them over certain stages of life.” The compulsory time should also not be limited to certain age groups or certain institutions.