Germany’s Pandemic Policies Spark Debate Over Fear, Division, and Free Speech
A new book, 'Free Speech in Peril', written by Frederik Stjernfelt, has sparked debate about the impact of pandemic policies on society. Meanwhile, a study reveals deep mistrust and division among the public. Volker Boehme-Neßler's latest work, 'Angstpolitik', has further fuelled the conversation about Germany's COVID-19 strategies.
The study, conducted during the pandemic, painted a stark picture. A majority of respondents (74%) admitted to distrusting others, while 84% preferred avoiding those with differing views. A significant 89% expressed concern over deep societal divisions caused by pandemic policies.
CDU lawmaker Saskia Ludwig acknowledged that some colleagues supported the measures, believing they were necessary to protect those unable to assess risks. However, consequences for the unvaccinated, such as job losses and social ostracization, were also discussed.
Volker Boehme-Neßler, in his book 'Angstpolitik', outlined three steps towards societal reconciliation: thorough accountability, restitution, and forgiveness by victims. He dismissed the Federal Constitutional Court's rulings on coronavirus policy as 'blunders'. He argued that deploying fear in a democracy is problematic, a sentiment echoed by Jan Ristau, author of 'Free Speech in Peril'. Ristau recalled fears over COVID vaccines due to insufficiently studied side effects.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior's COVID-19 strategy paper from 2020 called for a 'shock effect', warning children about their parents' potential 'agonizing deaths'. The term 'forced vaccination' and 'COVID dictatorship' were later branded as 'delegitimization of the state' by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the BfV.
The pandemic has left a deep mark on society, as evidenced by the study's findings. Books like 'Free Speech in Peril' and 'Angstpolitik' highlight the need for open dialogue and accountability. As Germany moves forward, it must address the consequences of its COVID-19 policies and work towards reconciliation.
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