At the end of the super election year 2024, the picture for democracy is sobering. It faces major challenges everywhere: The growing number of wars, intensified geopolitical rivalry, the worsening climate crisis and staggering social and economic inequalities characterise our everyday lives, and not just in Germany. Added to this are rapid technological developments that harbour both opportunities and risks. Instead of seeking integrative answers to this polycrisis, the political landscape is increasingly characterised by populism, xenophobia and economic nationalism. These currents are fuelling mistrust of democratic institutions and driving further polarisation.
Although anti-democratic parties have not been universally successful, a worrying shift in power towards authoritarian forces is noticeable in many places. Fortunately, however, there are also critical voices and committed actors who are opposing this development. One outstanding example of this is the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who presented a just vision of democracy in his inspiring speech at this year's Helmut Schmidt Lecture. Since taking office in 2019, he has developed a democratic and inclusive policy that extends far beyond the borders of the Turkish city of millions that he governs. Thanks to his commitment to transparency, participation and social justice, he has not only overcome ideological divides, but also won the trust of the people. With an overwhelming victory in his re-election in spring 2024, İmamoğlu has become the new beacon of hope for the reconstruction of a just democracy in Turkey.
The mayor of Istanbul leads by example
In his speech, İmamoğlu emphasised the need to find a new, positive language to mobilise the people - he spoke of "democratic peopleism". This redefinition of populism puts citizens at the centre and promotes a policy that values the diversity of society. It serves as a roadmap for overcoming existing inequalities and counteracting marginalisation. İmamoğlu emphasised that an active economic policy is essential in order to promote democratic values. The economy can have both positive and negative effects on the social fabric. It is therefore crucial to shape economic framework conditions in such a way that they support the democratic process.
As an example of his approach, he cited the initiative to create an exchange of cities, in which cities work together in networks to promote democratic values. Such a partnership emphasises the special importance of local actors. İmamoğlu was certain that when democracy is strengthened at grassroots level, cities act as catalysts for positive social change. İmamoğlu's vision shows that locally rooted democracy and social participation can create sustainable foundations for a just society in which all citizens are included and their voices are heard.
Actively shaping economic policy
Using the example of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu showed that an active economic policy can be a significant success factor for a just democracy. The mayor thus emphasised the close connection between economic and political issues. The guests present also recognised the crucial role that the state plays in protecting democracy: It must act in the public interest, for example by implementing an active industrial policy.
My colleague Matthew Delmastro and I argue along the same lines in our article "Industrial Policy for a Just Democracy!". In the fourth issue of BKHS Magazine, we use "Bidenomics" - the economic policy programme of the outgoing Biden administration - to show that industrial policy is not just an economic concept, but that its effects are also political in nature. US industrial policy confidently breaks with the prevailing dogma of the free market and promotes greater government involvement in the economy to pursue a variety of different goals, including promoting US competitiveness, mitigating the effects of climate change, and strengthening the socio-economic conditions for a resilient democracy.
The instruments of industrial policy are diverse: subsidies, vocational education and training, infrastructure development and public-private partnerships are crucial to achieving these goals. Industrial policy therefore has the potential to promote democracy if, for example, investments are made specifically in disadvantaged regions in order to reduce geographical and socio-economic inequalities. Such measures strengthen the social fabric and help to counteract social polarisation. Furthermore, industrial policy can also contribute to reducing income inequality by readjusting the balance of power between labour and capital. By creating high-quality jobs and enforcing higher wages, trade unions can also be strengthened, which should result in a fairer labour market.
Strengthening democracy "from below"
However, in order to strengthen the population's trust in democracy, a much broader active engagement on the part of the state and its representatives is needed. During the Helmut Schmidt Lecture 2024, it became clear both on stage and at the presentation of the BKHS Magazine how essential it is for the state to make it possible for citizens to experience direct democratic processes. This requires substantive and financial support to promote a "democracy from below". It is not enough to simply inform people; they must be actively involved in shaping their immediate environment. Decision-makers are called upon to listen carefully and take small but effective steps to take the concerns and needs of the population seriously. Such initiatives not only strengthen the sense of local ownership, but also contribute to the preservation and revitalisation of institutions such as libraries, theatres and schools.
Our spokesperson Ekrem İmamoğlu emphasised that these places play a crucial role in the quality of life in the communities and thus promote trust in democratic structures. They offer space for open discussion and respectful exchange, which strengthens social cohesion and intensifies the connection between citizens and the government. Maintaining such facilities becomes a sign of political engagement that meets the needs of the community. When citizens see concrete action being taken, they realise that their opinions matter and their concerns are heard. This is key to restoring trust in democracy and creating a robust, inclusive political climate.
Take a look now at our BKHS Magazine #4, in which our authors identify success factors for a just democracy. You can also find more impressions of our Helmut Schmidt Lecture 2024 here.
