Debate about economic growth: Lindner: A no-brainer mentality will not ensure prosperity

FDP leader Christian Lindner described excessive bureaucracy, but also the lack of motivation in society, as threats to growth and prosperity. Bureaucratization is also a socio-political question, said Lindner at an event organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Hamburg: “A state that specifies and controls everything must have the image that entrepreneurs, that you, that the citizens Citizens, wards in need of guidance, people who are unable to make responsible decisions.” Lindner added: “An excessive bureaucracy is actually a vote of no confidence in the citizens.”

Referring to an alleged trend towards “zero days” in corporate culture, the former finance minister criticized the lack of motivation: “With a zero mentality we will not secure our prosperity. My life experience tells me that there are things If you don’t feel like it, you just do it without feeling like it, just out of a sense of duty.”

In order to maintain credibility and trust, politics must solve people’s problems. This is not just economic development, but also internal security. “How do we ensure that everyone in Germany, at any time, in any place, can feel safe again?” said Lindner. Immigration to Germany must be regulated in such a way that no one questions cosmopolitanism and tolerance.