Please support THE CITIZEN'S VOICE with a donation HERE!
|
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
| Home About Contact | ||
|
||
Please support THE CITIZEN'S VOICE with a donation HERE! |
||
Review: Haseloff’s (CDU) Hypocrisy of Unity: A Government “for All” – Except During the Corona PeriodReiner Haseloff, the long-serving Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, painted a touching vision in his speech of 16 September 2021 after his re-election (in the second round of voting after three months of coalition negotiations): a state government that would be there “for all citizens,” “regardless of political affinity, origin, or biography.” Reiner Haseloff’s Hypocritical Rhetoric of Unity – A Government “for All Citizens”?On 16 September 2021, Reiner Haseloff stood in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt and, after his re-election as Minister President, proclaimed in a solemn tone:“From the moment we are in office and have sworn the oath, we have the entire state and all its citizens in mind, completely independent of origin, personal background, and biography, and we want to contribute to their well-being.”It was the classic formula of a politician who, after months of coalition building and in the midst of the deepest social division in decades, invokes unity and reconciliation. But anyone who looks back at Haseloff’s Corona policies from 2020–2022 in Saxony-Anhalt quickly realizes: these words were hollow. The government Haseloff led was not there for many citizens – it was against them. Exclusion Instead of Inclusion: The 2G and Mandatory Vaccination RealityWhile Haseloff spoke in 2021 of a government “for all,” his state government was at the same time implementing one of the harshest systems of exclusion the Federal Republic had ever seen:» 2G rules in everyday life (gastronomy, culture, leisure, Christmas markets, clubs) effectively excluded hundreds of thousands of unvaccinated people from social life. » Employees in care, hospitals, daycare centers, and schools were put under massive pressure from March 2022 to get vaccinated – anyone who did not comply risked their job. » Haseloff himself explicitly advocated several times for a general vaccination mandate and said verbatim: “We had mandatory vaccination in the GDR. I survived it.” This cynical trivialization of a coercive instrument from the dictatorship he knew from personal experience was perceived by many citizens as particularly perfidious. For the unvaccinated, vaccine skeptics, the self-employed who suffered under the lockdowns, or parents whose children were isolated for months, the state government under Haseloff was not a government for all – it was a government against part of the population. Peaceful Protests Criminalized, Critics DefamedIn 2021 Haseloff visited a demonstration in Wittenberg – allegedly to listen. Afterwards he publicly warned about people who were “leaving the center” and becoming radicalized. In doing so, he placed thousands of peaceful citizens who were demonstrating against lockdowns, school closures, and exclusion in the vicinity of extremists.In Saxony-Anhalt the so-called “Monday walks” and other protests in Magdeburg, Halle, Köthen, and Wittenberg were repeatedly broken up by the police – often citing failure to comply with distancing rules or lack of registration. Violent riots remained the absolute exception (isolated incidents in Magdeburg at the beginning of 2022). Nevertheless, the entire protest movement was labeled as potentially dangerous in the public portrayal by the state government. Anyone who read on X, in Telegram groups, or in alternative media found a different language: there Haseloff was perceived as someone who criminalized peaceful citizens while at the same time supporting the federal government’s measures (the “emergency brake,” vaccination-mandate debates), even though he himself sometimes described them as a “low point of federal culture.” No Word of Apology, No Genuine ReckoningUntil his resignation in 2026, Reiner Haseloff never seriously acknowledged that the policies he supported had torn large parts of the population apart, economically ruined them, and placed a psychological burden on them. Instead, he stuck to the line:» The measures were without alternative. » Critics were mostly radicals or the misled. » The government acted in the interest of “the entire country.” The RKI protocols that were released through legal action in 2024 later showed that many decisions were politically motivated, internal doubts were ignored, and proportionality often did not take center stage. Haseloff did call for an “independent review,” but he himself made no contribution to naming his own mistakes – let alone apologizing to those who had been excluded. No Government for AllWhen a Minister President declares after his re-election that his government wants to be there “for all citizens,” “regardless of political affinity and personal background,” then he can be judged by his actions. In Haseloff’s case, words and reality during the Corona years were miles apart.Anyone who excluded the unvaccinated from public life, portrayed peaceful demonstrators en masse as radicals, commented on compulsory vaccination with a shrug from GDR times, and showed no real remorse until the end cannot seriously call himself the representative of a “government for all.” The speech of 16 September 2021 was not a promise of reconciliation. In retrospect, it was an embarrassing attempt to paper over the division one had helped to cause with fine words. Critical Analysis of Reiner Haseloff’s SpeechReiner Haseloff’s speech of 16 September 2025, delivered in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt immediately after his re-election as Minister President, primarily serves to legitimize the new coalition government of CDU, SPD, and FDP (the so-called “Germany coalition”). It is characterized by rhetorical elements that emphasize stability, democracy, and inclusion, while at the same time blanking out the political reality of the state – including the strong AfD presence. In the following, I analyze the speech critically on the basis of central themes, addressing internal contradictions, rhetorical strategies, and the context of the 2021 state election. The analysis takes into account that Haseloff, as a long-standing incumbent (since 2011), adopts a defensive posture in order to shore up the coalition while pre-empting potential criticism of the formation of the government.1. Legitimation of the Coalition and DemocracyHaseloff emphasizes the “additional legitimation” provided by intra-party processes and the coalition agreement, which he presents as the basis for a stable government. He praises the “democratic customs” that lead to a broad base and thanks the members for his election. Viewed critically, this comes across as a justification for the lengthy negotiations after the election, which he admits were “complicated.” In fact, the formation of the government took more than a quarter of a year, pointing to internal conflicts – for example over the distribution of ministries. The speech ignores that although the coalition has a majority with 56 of 97 seats, Haseloff himself was elected only in the second round, suggesting a lack of unity within the coalition or even support from the opposition camp. This undermines his portrayal of a strongly legitimized government and points to fragility, especially against the backdrop of the federal election campaign, which he mentions as an influencing factor but dismisses as not decisive.2. Respect for Parliament and TransparencyHaseloff positions himself as the “Minister President of the parliament” and emphasizes respect for the legislature as “constitutional body number one.” He speaks of oversight, transparency, and “natural tensions” between the executive and legislative branches arising from resource limits. This sounds conciliatory, but could serve to pre-empt conflicts – for example over budget debates or implementation of the coalition agreement. Critically, Haseloff describes Saxony-Anhalt as “not the navel of the world,” which sounds realistic but also defensive: it lowers expectations of the government and could be read as an excuse for a lack of ambition. The speech promises credibility without naming concrete measures; instead he refers to a later government statement. This appears vague and could breed mistrust, especially in a state with declining trust in institutions, as evident in surveys on the AfD’s strength.3. Inclusion and a Government for All CitizensA central point is the emphasis that the government is “for all citizens,” regardless of “political affinity, origin, or biography.” This is rhetorically strong, but possibly serves to distinguish himself from the AfD, which Haseloff implicitly portrays as polarizing without naming it. Critically, this contrasts with the real polarization in Saxony-Anhalt. Haseloff’s promise of “reliable framework conditions” (e.g. in climate protection) remains abstract and ignores economic challenges such as out-migration or structural change, which he only touches on in passing. There is no acknowledgment that, despite its majority, the coalition does not represent the entire electorate, making the speech idealistic but unrealistic.4. Presentation of the Cabinet and ContinuityHaseloff introduces nine ministers and highlights changes in portfolios (e.g. consumer protection to the Ministry of Justice, equality to the Ministry of Social Affairs). He emphasizes continuity in most areas. Critically, this is a minimal restructuring that points to compromises within the coalition – for example to appease the SPD and FDP. The selection (e.g. Willingmann and Hüskens as deputies) signals stability but also carries risks: many ministers are established figures, which could hinder innovation. The speech ends with a call for the swearing-in, placing the focus on formalities rather than substance.Overall, the speech is defensive and consensual, focusing on unity and stability. It avoids conflict (e.g. with the AfD or internal coalition tensions) and relies on pathos (e.g. “credibility of politics”). Critically, it lacks concrete goals; it comes across as a transitional speech that uses Haseloff’s personal popularity to protect the coalition. Given the AfD’s strength (which the speech ignores), it appears optimistically naïve: Haseloff presents a harmonious future that underestimates real political volatility. Transcript of Reiner Haseloff’s Speech of 16.09.2021Mr. President! Honored members! Ladies and gentlemen! I have just appointed the ministers in the State Chancellery. They are now sitting here to my left in the chamber and are waiting to be sworn in. Together with the introduction of the ministers, I would also like to name the areas of responsibility for these ministers that were just determined in the cabinet meeting that has taken place. But first I would like to say a few sentences here.More than a quarter of a year ago we had the state election. It produced a result that brought with it a whole range of political options. As you have all observed, democratic customs have meanwhile developed further in how parties deal with the political mandates of voters and how they involve the respective base. On the one hand this may seem very complicated in terms of timing. But on the other hand, I think that for those who then start on the basis of a coalition agreement and want to implement it with a new state government, this is also an additional legitimation that the backing of the respective party is so strong that one knows oneself to be in good hands in the concert of such a coalition. After exploratory talks and the corresponding negotiations, we had a coalition agreement signed by the three parties on Monday. Together with the motion and today’s election of my person, this is the working basis on which we have not only agreed, but which I, in connection with the oath of office, intend to implement with the cabinet. At this point I would first like to expressly thank all members who have elected me. I am aware of the overall classification of today’s election act in the overall political situation in Germany as well. We are in the middle of the federal election campaign. But as the past weeks have shown, we have not been influenced by that, or only partially, in the sense that on the one hand everyone of course feels affiliated with their party at the federal level, but on the other hand it is about the state. The negotiations have shown that all partners have the welfare, the future, and the positive development of this state in mind and have declared this to be the basis of their participation. Now the election has taken place. I also thank the members because by doing so they have given me and the colleagues belonging to the cabinet the opportunity to be a state government for all citizens, regardless of political affinity and of the electoral procedure that each individual – thank God for 31 years now in secret ballot – has been able to carry out. At the moment in which we are in office and have sworn the oath, we have the entire state and all citizens in mind, completely independent of origin, personal background, and biography, and we want to contribute to their well-being. At this point, as Minister President, I say that I am the Minister President of the parliament, also in the sense that the rules of procedure bring with them a wide variety of possibilities for communication, opinion-forming, decision-making, and so on. We as a state government as a whole have a high level of respect for the legislature. It is the constitutional body number one in our state. These are the people’s representatives who are sitting here and who legitimize us to lead the executive and to keep the administrative life in this state running. We are to be monitored. We are to be called upon, where it is necessary and desired, to create transparency. We are service providers in that respect. But as the executive we are in a different function than the legislature. I do not need to explain that to us here. I only want to point out that logically there are quite natural tensions between what one might politically wish for and bring about here as a majority, and the realities of life, where the natural limits are – not only in terms of resources, but also in terms of implementation. For Saxony-Anhalt is a state of around 2.2 million people. We have more than 20,000 km². That is not a small state. In terms of inhabitants we are among the smaller ones, in terms of area not. But we are not the navel of the world; rather, in the concert of Germany, Europe, and globally we are in a role of participation in which we must make our contributions, starting with climate protection policy and going all the way to a future for citizens that is characterized by finding reliable framework conditions. A government is expected to do what is humanly possible, but also not to go beyond that, since otherwise it gets into a situation in which the credibility of politics – as we notice again and again at present – is increasingly being called into question. We have a great interest in the credibility of the constitutional bodies, the state parliament and the state government, as well as of the Minister President, being appropriately ensured. We want to strive for that. I hereby give this promise. Those shall be my first words. You know – I will say this again later – that in the next regular session of the state parliament I will deliver a government statement that basically includes all ministries. Accordingly, this will be a package that we can then discuss comprehensively. Today I would like to leave it at this fundamental position on my part. Now I would like to introduce the ministers. I will proceed according to the list before me, regardless of how they are seated. I do not always want to have to look to the left to see who has taken which seat. I have just appointed to the cabinet Mr. Minister Rainer Robra, Mr. Minister Michael Richter, Ms. Minister Tamara Zieschang, Mr. Minister Sven Schulze, Ms. Minister Eva Feußner, Ms. Minister Franziska Weidinger, Mr. Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, Ms. Minister Petra Grimm-Benne, and Ms. Minister Dr. Lydia Hüskens. As my deputies I have named, in first place, Prof. Dr. Willingmann and, in second place, Ms. Minister Dr. Lydia Hüskens. In the distribution of responsibilities within the state government we have made some changes today. Since the other ministries are also very well known to you in terms of continuity of their structure, I would like to read out only the ministries with a new designation that we have just decided on in the cabinet as part of the distribution of responsibilities. First there is the Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. The topic of consumer protection has been newly assigned to this ministry; previously equality policy was located here. Furthermore, we have the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, the Ministry of Science, Energy, Climate Protection, and the Environment of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, as well as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Digital Affairs of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. These are the ministries whose portfolios have changed. All other ministries have retained their portfolios and can continue their work in their previous structure. That is what I would like to bring to the attention of the High House. I ask the President now to proceed with the swearing-in of the members of the state government so that the work of government in all ministries can also be taken up with the appropriate legitimation. Many thanks. Author: AI-Translation - АИИ | |
|
| Other articles: |
 | Are you crazy? - The Abused Antifascism – Reading with Author Jürgen MannkeIn a moving reading, Jürgen Mannke presents his latest work *The Abused Antifascism* and takes the audience on a journey through history, personal experiences, and societal analys... zum Artikel |
 | Accessibility Cut: Sachsen-Anhalt Cuts Funding for People with DisabilitiesThe state government of Sachsen-Anhalt plans a drastic cut in urban development funding from 2026 – by up to 50%.... zum Artikel |
 | True Crime - Has the Monster of Hohenmölsen Struck Again?Hohenmölsen – once only known for open-pit mining, tractors, and dreary weekends, is once again shaken by a nocturnal mystery that sends even hardened local journalists spiralin... zum Artikel |
|
Support the operation of this website with voluntary contributions: via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/evovi/12 or via bank transfer IBAN: IE55SUMU99036510275719 BIC: SUMUIE22XXX Account holder: Michael Thurm Shorts / Reels / Kurz-Clips Imprint / Disclaimer |