What the voting decision depends on: Wahl-o-Mat instead of a chancellor's duel
What the voting decision depends on
Election-o-Mat instead of chancellor's duel
Core results:
- Credibility and content are decisive for most citizens
- Only one in five Germans is a regular voter
- Election advertising plays no role
The Trust in the party and the respective candidates iis decisive for one in three Germans. Especially in times characterised by uncertainty and worries about the future - e.g. due to the euro crisis, the Syrian conflict or the fear of a loss of prosperity and lower pensions - German citizens long for politicians who credibly represent that they will make the right decisions. However, the party programme - the issues, goals and values that a party stands for and is committed to - is also of great importance to many voters. Personal interests are mentioned just as often as national interests, although the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive but can also complement each other. The more frequently encountered By contrast, only one in five respondents is still loyal to the party. The appearance, behaviour and arguments of the candidates in public - from talk shows and TV debates to election events - tend to be more important, but are still of secondary importance. Election advertising is now almost completely insignificant on posters and at stands in the city centre.
The Scientific Director of the BAT Foundation for Future Studies, Professor Dr Ulrich Reinhardt, draws a mixed conclusion: "The parties are spending over 50 million euros on the German parliamentary election campaign. Regardless of how the money is spent, the decisive factor ultimately remains the credible communication of the right content. What is needed are honest messages instead of empty promises, interchangeable slogans and memorised speeches. Many citizens are open to uncomfortable truths and changing framework conditions. They are prepared to support reforms and make their own contribution - if the perspective is right."
Why so many German citizens do not vote
Young voters show little interest in politics
Core results:
- Great scepticism towards election promises
- Trust in politicians is low
- Young voters show little interest and see few opportunities to participate
40 years ago, over 91 per cent of eligible voters cast their vote in the Bundestag elections (1972: 91.3%). Since then, voter turnout has continued to fall and was only 71 per cent in 2009. A new low is even feared for the upcoming election. What are the reasons for the declining voter turnout?
From the perspective of German citizens, in the first place, the concern of being lied to by election promises. The over 50s in particular cite this fear. However, the general disenchantment with politics and the lack of belief that elections can have a direct influence are also cited as reasons by a majority of the population. More than one in three eligible voters also cite these reasons, wanting to express their protest against the existing parties as a non-voter. Two arguments are mentioned particularly frequently by young voters: The belief that they cannot change anything through elections and a general lack of interest in politics.
Reinhardt: "Parties are increasingly struggling to attract new voters, as many young people have little interest in politics and politicians are not held in high regard. It is therefore not surprising that the voting rate among young voters will also be the lowest in this election. In order to get young people more interested in politics, parties and programmes again, a much stronger and more direct frame of reference is needed, as well as more transparency and younger representatives in decision-making positions. Above all, however, today's young voters want politics that takes them and their future needs seriously and takes a long-term approach instead of thinking in terms of legislative periods."
EN 
DE