Federal President Steinmeier in Neuruppin: New life for rural areas!

Federal President Steinmeier in Neuruppin: New life for rural areas!

In Neuruppin, the tranquil town with more than 30,000 inhabitants, the Federal President's “Local Time” series brought a breath of fresh air. Frank-Walter Steinmeier moved his office to the capital of Prignitz for three days to draw attention to the developments and challenges that the town has experienced over the last 35 years. This reports bundespraesident.de.

The reason for choosing Neuruppin is understandable: While the city is attractive to tourists, it has also undergone a dramatic transformation. Former GDR companies disappeared while new medical facilities and a university were built. There are also over 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses that form the economic backbone. Nevertheless, transport connections remain a major issue, as the promised half-hourly train service to Berlin is still a long time coming. A circumstance that concerns many citizens.

Demographic challenges

Despite the positive developments, the city also faces challenges. The exodus of young people in particular is perceived as alarming. In a rural area where over half of Germans live, how bpb.de describes, it is necessary that rural areas receive more attention from politicians.

A central point that Steinmeier addresses is the increasing politically motivated violence, which is particularly increasing in East Germany. The AfD has become a strong force in the region and a possible ban against it is on the cards. This is about trust in democratic institutions that needs to be restored to show people that their expectations are being taken seriously.

Social initiatives in focus

A good example of locally rooted initiatives is the “Kind” network, which is led by Petra Hahn. Since 2015 she has been coordinating innovative approaches to improve early childhood education and support for families in Meyenburg. The need for recognition and cooperation on site is clearly emphasized by the coordinator. “Participation is a central aspect of appreciation,” says Hahn, who is committed to combating discrimination and promoting children’s rights gemeinschaftberatung-demos.de can be read.

By involving 40 partners from schools, daycare centers and administration, a network is created that addresses digitalization, health policy and other relevant topics for rural areas. The award with the German Kita Prize is also outstanding, as it testifies to the high quality of the work.

Outlook for the future

In his speech, Steinmeier also wrote about the urgent issues of war and peace, which are still relevant in Europe. It remains to be seen how the political and social structures in Neuruppin and in rural areas will develop. The next “local time” will take place in Rhineland-Palatinate; however, the exact location has not yet been determined.

The challenges presented by rural areas cannot be ignored. What about mobility, political participation and social justice? Neuruppin is an example of the need for more than just economic stability. Citizens want an active policy that meets their expectations, and this is a concern that extends far beyond the city limits.