Like no other, it says in the call, Olaf Scholz, the SPD's candidate for chancellor, is fighting for sustainable cities, communities and districts.
This refers to topics such as climate-friendly mobility, free day-care centers, digital administration and, of course, “respect”, in this case “on site”.
The appeal, which was published as an advertisement on Thursday, was signed by the Lord Mayor of Frankfurt, Peter Feldmann, among others.
The only question is to what extent the future Federal Chancellor can actually influence things in the city, municipality and district, whether the influence that is suggested here is not a bit excessive.
Above all, however, the question arises whether the tonality is right.
First of all: The Chancellor is not really important here.
The municipalities have no direct representation vis-à-vis the federal government, which would be set by the constitution (the city council is only an association).
No state can be made without municipalities and districts
In poor communities in particular, people are not very enthusiastic when social benefits are decided in Berlin that the communities have to pay for, but for which they do not receive sufficient compensation from the federal government. In detail: The framework for transport policy, for example, is specified in Berlin, but a decision on Tempo 30 must be made in the respective municipality itself. When it comes to digitizing the administration, other influences are much more important than the decisions of the Federal Chancellor. One can go further: The text says that the municipalities are perceived as equal partners, but in fact an image is conveyed here that suggests that without the federal government and the Chancellor, the modernization of the municipalities would look bleak.
It is true that no state can be made without cities, municipalities and districts.
But does Scholz know how to make this state?
Because there is no talk of freedom.
In the declaration of solidarity, for example, there is nothing to suggest that the local businesses must first be strengthened in order for the municipalities to maintain their financial capacity to act.
There is talk of aid for over-indebted municipalities, but what does that mean?
Should the municipalities that have repaid their debts themselves be disadvantaged when the federal government excuses other municipalities?
Debt relief, yes, if necessary, but please combined with a fundamental reform of the municipal finances and everything that goes with it, in order to make the economy in town and country more competitive.
Then daycare centers can also remain permanently free of charge.