Numerous guests came to Brockenhaus Hanau on Saturday for the New Year's reception of the Main-Kinzig district association of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen. The event marked the start of the hot phase of the Bundestag election campaign and offered a mixture of retrospectives, solutions and inspiring speeches.
"The coming weeks are crucial, and we Greens are ready to take responsibility and initiate change," said Anja Zeller, spokeswoman for the district board, in her welcome speech. She addressed the challenges of the shortened campaign period, but stressed the optimism of the party. “We have a great candidate for chancellor and can look forward to 75 new members in the Main-Kinzig district alone. This shows: Our message is coming!”
A special moment of the evening was the passing of the long-time member of the Bundestag Wolfgang Strengmann-Kuhn, who over many years represented the interests of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis in Berlin with passion and great commitment. “Wolfgang has shown exceptional commitment to social justice and a sustainable future. His work remains a benchmark for green politics and a role model for all of us,” Anja Zeller praised his tireless commitment.
Motivational outlook on the election
Dr. Anna Lührmann, Member of the German Bundestag and Hessian top candidate of the Greens, spoke as guest of honour. In her sweeping speech, she called for staying confident and determined in the face of global challenges. “These are man-made problems, that is, people can solve them,” Lührmann stressed. It called for increased investment in climate protection and green technologies to make life affordable. "If we don't invest now, we risk expensive climate disasters in the future. Investing in climate action is investing in a future worth living for all of us." At the same time, she warned vigorously about the dangers of disinformation. “Democracy is not a spectator sport. We all need to be active in protecting them!”
Direct candidates set clear accents
The two direct candidates Mahwish Iftikhar (district 179) and Philip Schinkel (district 174) took the opportunity to present their political priorities.
Mahwish Iftikhar plans to use taxi rides through the Main-Kinzig district to specifically seek direct exchange with citizens. "I want to listen, build trust and show that politics can be approachable and transparent," she said. The issue of social justice is particularly important to her. “It's about confidence and togetherness. Politics must be there for all people and strengthen hope, especially in difficult times.” She stressed the need to make policies that regain people’s trust and promote cohesion right now.
Schinkel highlighted the importance of projects such as the Carlos Mobility Project and German courses for refugees. "Language is the key to integration," he stressed. However, it is particularly important to him to perceive the needs of rural areas and to respond to them. “Through projects such as Carlos, we are showing that innovative mobility solutions are also possible in rural areas. Rural areas in particular must not be left behind – they need targeted attention and measures tailored to them,” said Schinkel.
Together for a better future
In a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, the evening ended with personal conversations and lively exchange. "This New Year's reception showed that we are ready to take responsibility together and fight for an ecological, social and just future," Zeller summed up the evening.
English (UK)