“Comparison is the end of happiness and the beginning of dissatisfaction,” remarked the 18th century Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Now it is human to look over your own garden fence or at your neighbor’s plate. But you should always be aware that the grass seems a little greener there, the portion a little bigger. Often a deceptive image. But one that can catch you out and lead you down a dark path. Because the little “I’m-never-satisfied-man” (a thought construct from the German film Lammbock) or the little “I’m-never-satisfied-woman” begins to pull the strings of greed, envy and resentment in their own heads. Rationality goes out the window. Colorful things suddenly turn gray. Beautiful things suddenly ugly. Good things suddenly become bad.
A spiral from which it is difficult to escape. Especially when it comes to sharing with family, friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Complaining together brings people together. Confirming each other’s opinions is part of good manners. Every little nuance of negativity then leads deeper into the swamp of thoughts. Bad becomes worse, until at some point everything becomes almost unbearable. A phenomenon that also seems to be widespread in Saxony. Yet Saxony is ideally positioned nationwide and even more so internationally. The local education and research landscape is on an excellent path. Business and industry are booming. Billions have been flowing into the Free State not just since yesterday. Jobs are being created. The majority of living conditions are excellent. The unemployment rate is lower than ever before. So where does the doubt about our own homeland come from? And why does the national and international press repeatedly take a negative view of Saxony?
More facts, less opinion – talking things down is not an option
“East Germans feel left behind more often” (german), was the headline on ZDF back in January 2024.”Germany is becoming more equal – but dissatisfaction is growing in the East” (german), said Handelsblatt in June 2024. “Why the frustration in the East benefits the AfD” (german), was the headline of an interview with filmmaker and author Grit Lemke – a native of Spremberg and long-time resident of Hoyerswerda – on NDR a few days ago. Just three exemplary headlines that pour water on the same old mills. A community FEELING is created that is driven not by facts but by opinions. Those who are dissatisfied for whatever reason are confirmed in their impression. Everyone else is at least unsettled and begins to doubt themselves, their federal state and the reality of their own lives. The result is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In recent weeks, Silicon Saxony has also repeatedly received press inquiries about the upcoming state elections. National, but above all international media – e.g. from Japan, Taiwan and the USA – inquired about further developments here at the location. The focus was less on the undiminished positive news, such as investments, employment growth, a spirit of optimism or the associated prosperity, and more on the possible development of the Free State after the election. “What impact will a possible election victory for ‘this or that party’ have on Saxony?” “How will international workers react?” “Do you fear…?” Do you recognize the thrust of media curiosity? None of these questions can be answered plausibly and reliably in the run-up to an election or even immediately after an election. Speculation meets ignorance and misjudgement. And an image is already created in the mind of a potential reader, listener or viewer that fuels fears, creates unease and leads to negative expectations. In the end, the realization often remains: “Everything is bad and will get worse”. Facts become secondary. Feelings are reinterpreted as facts.
Germany is not the USA – More than one party determines regional and national politics
Germany’s political system – and this cannot be said and written clearly enough – cannot be equated with that of the USA or other major nations. In this country, emerging from an election as the strongest force and with the most votes is only the first step of many. You have made it into the legislature. But nothing more. This is where the real political work begins. Because up until the election, all parties were able to rely on promises and the usual campaign bluster. But with the final election result, the search for coalition partners, joint plans, goals and solutions for all the small and large challenges facing the location begins. The onus here is not on one party, as in the USA. Instead, if you believe the current election forecasts for the Free State, between three (CDU, AfD, BSW) and seven parties (CDU, AfD, BSW, SPD, Greens, Left and FDP). It remains to be seen what possible collaborations could look like until well after the election. The fact is that every single party that makes it into the state parliament is in demand here – whether as part of a possible government or a possible opposition. Ducking away and blaming others will only prevent them from making progress in the interests of their own electorate.
And this is precisely where the strength of our party system lies and the reason to look calmly to the coming months. Consensus in Germany brings the progress that everyone wants. Dissent, on the other hand, leads to delays and, in the worst case, to a standstill. All parties and party leaders should be reminded of this fact every day. Instead of holding mistakes against each other, creating a mood or digging trenches, solutions should be found for every challenge, no matter how small, for every piece of expandable Saxony. Because only together can we create a positive atmosphere in the state. Only as a team can we succeed in satisfying the dissatisfied. To free the doubters from their doubts. And to let the supposedly “left behind” know that they are still in the middle instead of at the back. The votes that will hopefully be distributed by many voters in the upcoming state elections should therefore not be seen as the crowning glory of one or more parties. They are a mandate to introduce our own values into the political discourse and to realize them in the best possible way – by no means absolutistically. As in a good relationship, it is also important to find compromises in politics and to take as many people and their wishes with you as possible. It is not always possible to please everyone. That is also part of the truth.
A lot must and should happen in Saxony – we are all called upon to do this!
Silicon Saxony is not the only one to have expressed its wishes and demands in numerous discussions with political leaders over the past few months. Almost all population and interest groups have done the same. A catalog of things has emerged that will move Saxony forward. To achieve this, the future state government and the opposition must succeed in reaching an agreement and pulling together.
We can only recommend that all voters who have not yet cast their votes by postal ballot compare their own wishes and priorities with the parties’ election manifestos. Use Wahlomaten to get your bearings. Take a look at election test stones – just like Silicon Saxony sent to all the major parties. Exchange ideas with like-minded people, friends and acquaintances. The most important step, however, should be taken by September 1 at the latest for all Saxon voters. CAST YOUR VOTE!
No matter which party you vote for and which way you want Saxony to go in the future. Voting is the easiest way to participate in politics. But even after the election, don’t get tired of reminding your elected representatives of their promises and duties. Get actively involved at every opportunity that presents itself. Move forward optimistically and courageously. Don’t let doubts and negative thoughts get in the way. This is the only way to create the mood that will allow not only Saxony, but the whole of Germany to speak with one voice. This is the only way that the international community will look to a federal state and a nation that is confidently and constructively shaping its own future.
One way or another, our federal state is neither “blue”, “black”, “green”, “yellow”, “red” nor “brown” after this election. Saxony is and will remain colorful, diverse and beautiful. Nevertheless, it can’t hurt to make it a little better together every day.
Become part of the Silicon Saxony campaign #BecauseMyVoteCounts
If you will cast your vote on September 1 or have already cast your vote as part of the postal vote, then show this to your network, your circle of friends or your team. Motivate others to make use of their right to vote as well.
It’s easy to do via social media. Create your personal visual for LinkedIn, Instagram and co in just a few steps. Show your conviction and your active political participation, true to the motto: I’m going to vote, #BecauseMyVoteCounts.
