{"id":6025,"date":"2025-01-01T14:47:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-01T14:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huettemann.eu\/?p=6025"},"modified":"2025-01-01T15:04:01","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T15:04:01","slug":"thank-you-you-are-a-true-democrat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huettemann.eu\/en\/2025\/01\/thank-you-you-are-a-true-democrat\/","title":{"rendered":"Thank you, You are a true democrat! We never say that…"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Lille demokrati in the European Youth Centre<\/a> (right) – and at EBD’s general assembly 2024<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hand on Heart: When was the last time we told a neighbor or colleague, \u201cThank you, you\u2019re a true democrat\u201d?\u00a0Probably not often. Or when was the last time someone praised our ability to find consensus or make compromises in daily life, perhaps saying, \u201cI like you\u2014you\u2019re a genuine democrat!\u201d Instead, engagement is often acknowledged\u2014which we, of course, appreciate. But is that enough? No, it often leaves a sense of unease, dissatisfaction, or even frustration. Thanks for nothing?<\/p>\n

My editorial in: Transparancy Deutschland magazine “Scheinwerfer” 104\/2024 (in German)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Our voluntary efforts are rightly valued. However, genuine recognition from \u201cprofessionals\u201d for taking real responsibility is rare. Professionals and civil servants\u2014those paid for their contributions\u2014often see the ambitions of volunteers to have political impact as disruptive. How often have I heard from public servants or association officials, \u201cI don\u2019t care who\u2019s above (sic!) me as chair or minister.\u201d This says a lot about their understanding of democracy: for many professionals, democracy means \u201cvote, but leave us to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019m continually impressed by the expertise within Transparency International Germany. Our organization is a democratic masterpiece where professionals and volunteers work together for the common good and share responsibility. Representative democracy is as important in an association as in the state. Just as Bismarck dismissed parliament as a \u201ctalking shop,\u201d we must ensure that association democracy is not devalued as mere \u201cclub bureaucracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Denmark, they talk about \u201cLille Demokrati\u201d<\/em>\u2014democracy on a small scale. It thrives in everyday responsibilities, whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, or class elections. Democracy is not just a state task; it begins at the grassroots. Transparency Germany advocates for both a stable legal framework and for pluralism and constructive lobbying to act as counterweights to corruption and injustice.<\/p>\n

As the federal elections in February approach, it\u2019s clear how vital the protection of democratic values remains. In Germany and Europe, pluralistic democracy must promote competition of ideas while upholding the rule of law. Given global tensions, the upcoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump could challenge European unity through \u201cstrategic corruption.\u201d When democratic principles are firmly rooted in everyday life and on a small scale, Europe becomes more resilient against authoritarian influences\u2014from within or outside.<\/p>\n

The turn of the year is a good moment to pause and reflect on the values of community and solidarity\u2014whether inspired by Christian beliefs or simple humanity. Democracy on a small scale and mutual responsibility are crucial for a successful 2025.<\/p>\n

In this spirit: Fear not! Let us bless one another more often with the praise: \u201cYou act democratically!\u201d Courage!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hand on Heart: When was the last time we told a neighbor or colleague, \u201cThank you, you\u2019re a true democrat\u201d?\u00a0Probably not often. 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Hes is board member of Transparency International Deutschland e.V. He studied political science, history and European law at the University of Bonn. He first worked for the Robert Bosch Stiftung as a PR consultant, then as a research assistant at the Institute for European Politics (\u201cInstitut f\u00fcr Europ\u00e4ische Politik\u201c). From 2000 to 2003, he conducted programs of the German Foreign Office on the EU accession of Slovakia and Croatia, including as an advisor to the Slovak Government Office in Bratislava. Bernd H\u00fcttemann began his career in European politics within the Young European Federalists (JEF) as head of office in Bonn and Brussels. 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