It is entirely understandable that those of us who have participated in the political and economic development of this country regard with deep scepticism the homolies now being delivered by certain speakers at public meetings that get organised. There's no problem about the content of what they say in support of transparency in public management - or their condemnation of corruption in all its forms, and all abuse of power, no matter who is responsible for them - or that full security should prevail for whoever disagrees with the government of the day or publishes reports in the media about unsavoury goings-on. The same applies to the claim that endeavours to back these principles must override all calculations based on political partisanship. How can one disagree with this?
The problem though relates to the credentials of some people who proclaim these principles and organise protests in their defence. It does feel as if theirs is a seasonal commitment, depending on who happens to be in government. For there were times when other administratons governed the island and the same individuals not only stayed silent about what was then going on - they were actually wellplaced in the management structures of the day. Now, if they prefer to argue that the sins which today arouse their indignation did not exist then - that's their business. However, it's inevitable that what they say and do today can only be met with scepticism, when it's they who say and do it.
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IN TWO MINDS
This month's regional elections were disastrous for the coalition which is running Germany, and especially for its leading member, the christian democrat CDU. Chancellor Friedrich Merz - who is experiencing internal party tensions similar to those which led to Keir Starmer's resignation as Britain's Prime minister - was the first to admit it. Immediately after the results of the second batch of elections were declared, Merz made it clear he would not be leaving but would continue to push hard for the radical reforms he has launched. They have provoked a huge burst of popular resistance.
Perhaps Merz is right to insist that the reforms are of great national importance to Germany. But perhaps his ally Markus Soder, the leader of the social christian party in Bavaria the CSU, also had a point when he noted that the reforms need to be felt by the people not only as being hugely necessary, but also as being introduced with fairness.
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THE WRECKAGE OF WAR
No matter who's right or wrong, the war in the Ukraine has been going on for "too long". (As if not all wars go on for too long, even if they last for just twelve hours...)
Still its worst aspect has right from the start been the fact that two nations that are ethnically and culturally siblings, if not twins, are engaged in a fight to the death. It is in the interests of both to find a solution that respects the rights of each of them while relieving their mutual fears and suspicions. The ongoing war or special operation could end up destroying a substantial part of the precious heritage of Slavic civilization, of which Russia and the Ukraine were the foremost promoters. Instead, a legacy of hate between the two peoples is being generated, to their great detriment and that of the rest of Europe.