Germany on the Eve of Elections: A Journey to Explore Citizens’ Concerns
As Germany prepares for its upcoming federal election, "Tagesthemen" hosts Jessy Wellmer and Ingo Zamperoni embarked on a journey across the country to gauge the concerns and aspirations of the electorate.
Their documentary, "What Moves Germany?", presents a 60-minute exploration of three pressing issues: immigration, economic crisis, and war. This ARD-Mediathek production will air on "Ersten" at 8:15 p.m.
Zamperoni explained that the documentary aimed to capture the mood of the nation on the eve of the election, without delving into party politics. "We avoided political interviews and party programs, instead focusing on a cross-section of opinions on these major themes."
Wellmer and Zamperoni met with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including:
- A master painter apprehensive about the potential deportation of his Syrian employees
- A conscientious objector who has now enlisted as a reservist
- A Cologne family with three generations working for Ford
- An entrepreneur advocating for reduced convenience in the workplace
- A 280-person village confronting plans for a refugee shelter housing 130 people
The journalists sought to understand the motivations, fears, and hopes of their interviewees. "It’s important to approach these conversations without preconceptions," Wellmer said. "By considering different perspectives, we realize that simplistic answers are not always the most effective."
Wellmer and Zamperoni observed a mix of resilience and uncertainty among those they encountered. "Many expressed hope that society still possesses the stability to find solutions to these challenges," Wellmer noted. "While a sense of despair or hopelessness was absent, there was a palpable unease."
Specific examples highlighted in the documentary include:
- A Syrian refugee in Leipzig expressing gratitude for Germany’s assistance but also concern about the future
- A Ukrainian refugee in Berlin grappling with displacement amidst family trauma
- A former AfD member who now regrets her affiliation with the far-right party
- A farmer in Brandenburg confronting the economic challenges of rising energy costs
Through these personal stories, the documentary illuminates the complex tapestry of German society on the brink of a pivotal election. Wellmer and Zamperoni’s journey provides a window into the hopes, fears, and aspirations that shape the nation’s collective consciousness.
By listening attentively to a wide range of voices, "What Moves Germany?" offers a nuanced understanding of the issues that resonate with the electorate. It is a reminder that true empathy lies in approaching each other with an open mind, recognizing the shared desire for a just, equitable, and prosperous society.
