GERMANY FIRST?

The following is a personal opinion that is primarily business driven even though it contains some political statements, which however are driven towards common sense. Contradiction is welcome, but only rational and objective.

Make Germany great again (MeGGA) - oh yes! And we should not aspire anything less than being excellent (mega) at what we do, once again.

I am writing this pre US-Election, listening to lots of interviews and with the expectaiton that Donald Trump will make it again. MAGA rules the US and it seems to me we are yet again not well prepared for this; similar to 2016. However one thing is clear, the US needs change as much as Germany does. My expectations are based on many conversations I had with fellow US friends and partners. After years of zero-interest growth that allowed us to be very generous, the time has come to pay the bills and this means to change the status quo.

Now coming back to my controversial statement from the beginning: I truly believe that similar to what we all accept while sitting in a plane, is true in real life: ?You have to help yourself first before you can help others“. This should be common sense for many reasons; tactical, practical and logical. So Germany first means, help ourselves first and then see who we can help next. I think America first in its true sense also should reflect to this. I don’t mind MAGA, if we don’t forget to be MeGGA!

So putting us on oxygen ?? here in Germany, means to set our priorities straight. Common sense, right?

However as long as we are not talking to each other but rather put each other in opposite corners and demonise the other side with hateful and historical terminology that is not helpful in any debate of 2024; nothing will change.

Please ask anyone below age 25, if this level of discussion is meaningful for him or her. We are terrible role models for the next generation at this moment in time. We let emotions win over facts and especially let our fears drive our actions. There is a reason behind the expression German Angst. It is only courage, confidence and clarity in pursuing what matters, especially in challenging times.

Let’s remember: We are in a very blessed situation, as we don’t need to rebuild Germany (yet) but we only need to restructure, reorganise and revive our country and our identity. Should be much easier. The problem is, we get caught up in the little things instead of tackling the big picture. But do we really have to accept that everything must be in ruins to be able set your mind straight and focus on the important tasks? I simply cannot accept this. The above is main reason for the brain drain we have in Germany. Many people who dearly love their country decide to leave, as they feel helpless and hopeless as they feel they cannot influence our need to change.

Reality is we had a great run for years, fuelled with zero-interest and we missed to prepare ourselves for the next technology revolution that is not only transforming business and industries but it is also transforming the people.

There are billions of people out there that are hungry, eager and diligent. They want to achieve what we take for granted. They watch TikTok and want to participate from the digital happiness we keep selling. Lot’s of it is purely superficial anyway. But in 2024? reality is that most people out there are happy with a consistent income, enough food and basic security. In Germany in the year 2024 we are, wasting away (record sick leave in 2024) and many feel too good for the jobs that society urgently needs. And why should people do them, when we have introduced a welfare-state that doesn’t demand commitment? Why do Berlin and New York look wasted against Moscow and Beijing? Because there is still a working class that is cleaning the streets to earn their income.

Nobody is waiting for us, as you can see with initiatives such as BRICS & Co. The West has long conquered, now we need to convince. That means we need to first convince ourselves what is the direction for the years to come. We need an Agenda that is disruptive, bold and ambitious, otherwise we have nothing to offer.

Many Germans are still incredible hardworking and create a record tax-income year after year; however this is wasted in many areas from people, who clearly don’t have the same ambition as the people who have earned the money in the first place. We must not accept anything else but greatness from our leaders as they determine the mindset of the people. It is role models that this time needs, people with faith, with spirit with ambitions. And sometimes they must entertain. Something to learn from the US ????.

The lack of personal liability in politics is the main thing that sets is apart from reality and what personally bothers me the most in Germany. I can understand that it may make sense to turn people into civil servants in the administration - why else would you want to work there? But people in leading positions should come from the real world with proven experience in the job they are meant to do. And if they don't do their job well, then they have to go. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS are accepted everywhere but in our politics. You are dismissed - the Apprentice and reality are calling.

The above is not meant as a rant but I am expecting from our Western leaders that they fully comply to the realities that are driving the business world. You should make debts, when you need to invest - but have a clear plan for payback. Don’t take things for granted. Be ambitious, be demanding, be creative, be motivating. Be reasonable! It is common sense that drives people most effectively.

With our company unival group GmbH we work in more than 70 countries, every year some new countries are added to the list. It is purely common sense that drives success or failure for us. Nobody else is to blame. So it is a real concern for me to see the lack of ambition that our western world shows in some regions. Africa is a good example. And lack of ambition doesn’t mean to throw money in ??, but to make a difference and create an ecosystem and business model that will allow both parties to benefit. This is however what requires us to work harder to achieve success in these region. This surely doesn’t always get rewarded but it earns you respect in the end for trying.

Respect is what prevents conflicts, because respect for the consequences is quite persuasive. This game play is what will drive the policy of a new US President (especially in case Donald Trump wins). Without respect, bad deals will be the bitter pill to swallow. So what does this mean for Germany?

Being MeGGA is all it take to help ourselves and to help others but for this we need to start our own recovery NOW!

P.S. If you had the patience to read to this point, be assured that the only ambition of this very personal opinion is to reach the people, who care and have similar ambitions. I don’t want to convince anyone, who doesn’t want to be convinced. Because cause and effect and time always bring reality to the surface. Everybody who knows me also knows that I don’t take things for granted. Don’t waste your time to comment too much - be part of the change. It is teamwork. Wish you a great Sunday evening. ??????