display

In a few days an eventful, turbulent, in the truest sense unimaginable year will come to an end.

For many people, 2020 was an often depressing year.

A year in which the pandemic overshadowed all other issues.

A year that was marked by great restrictions and uncertainty.

A year in which our entire society had to face unprecedented challenges.

And it will certainly not decrease in the short term.

One of the greatest of these challenges in the coming year will be to create positive prospects.

Vaccines are undoubtedly a source of great hope.

But we will have to continue to live in the shadow of the pandemic for at least the coming months.

In view of this prospect, I hope that - in addition to the discipline of everyone in the fight against the virus - the interpersonal dealings in this ongoing exceptional situation will also be reflected more strongly.

Less polarization and polemics, more tolerance and understanding of the concerns of others.

"The soul has the color of your thoughts"

And I want courageous managers, in companies as well as in politics.

This also includes rethinking previous approaches and strategies and having the courage to make course corrections if this increases the likelihood of success in getting through this crisis better.

In this context, better can only mean: with fewer negative consequences for many.

This requires, especially in the year of a federal election, a constructive culture of debate that is not geared towards minorities on Twitter, but towards the majority of the people in this country.

display

For months now, numerous everyday topics that in “normal” times stood for joy, pleasure and community have been fraught with fear.

The sentence is ascribed to the great philosopher Marcus Aurelius: "The soul has the color of your thoughts".

Participation in cultural and sporting events undoubtedly generates positive thoughts and emotions for millions of people.

Otherwise, more than 50 million people flocked to German theaters, concert halls, cinemas and football stadiums every year.

So there are currently not just a few events missing.

Millions of positive experiences, encounters, impressions and thoughts are missing.

And that affects the soul life of millions of people.

This aspect is more difficult to grasp than an R value, but its effect should not be underestimated.

This aspect is harder to grasp than an R-value

A great many organizers in the cultural and sports sector have devised hygiene concepts with great commitment, and even during the crisis tens of thousands of citizens have proven that they are willing and able to observe the applicable rules and requirements.

Unlike far too many private gatherings.

display

The vast majority of professional cultural and sports organizers and their visitors have earned their trust and I would like to see this again as soon as possible - of course in a framework that takes the pandemic situation into account.

The virus makes our everyday life difficult enough.

In dealing with it - unfortunately only symbolically for the time being - moving closer together again, that is the positive perspective that I wish for the coming year.