Free voters call for a political style with less exclusion

The Free Voters in Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia are in favor of a new style of politics. "Less exclusion - more togetherness" is the message of the three state chairmen following a meeting in Leipzig. "In times of growing frustration, social division and ideological overheating, the Free Voters in eastern Germany are focusing on a pragmatic, people-oriented and hopeful style of politics."

Argument: People in the east no longer feel represented

The last state elections in eastern Germany and the last federal election clearly showed that people in the east in particular no longer feel represented by politics, they said. There is a desire for politicians who bring experience from the local level, from different professions and social classes and who have not "worked their way up" in a party structure.

"We believe in the East. In its people, in its strength, in its future. We focus on protecting regional identity without falling into nationalist rhetoric. Heimat is not a backward-looking concept, but a source of strength for cohesion and pride," explained Andreas Hummel, FW state leader in Thuringia.

Weidinger: firewalls are not helpful for discourse

His Saxon counterpart Thomas Weidinger called for an "open exchange and acceptance of different opinions and views". "We clearly distance ourselves from any kind of extremism, both from the right and the left. However, we need to get back to discussing and arguing constructively about different views and ideas. So-called firewalls are not helpful here."

Many East Germans still feel overlooked 35 years after unification

According to the Brandenburg FW state chairman Jörg Arnold, many East Germans still feel overlooked 35 years after unification. His party called for more appreciation and respect for the lifetime achievements of people in East Germany as well as equal opportunities - and not just on paper. "This applies just as much to pensions as it does to appointments to management positions in public authorities and companies."