The Survived Acting of Power: Federal President – a relic from a long time ago

The picture of an office is created that looks like a showcase from a museum of state history. A remnant of days when, after the end of the monarchy, one desperately tried to put a new symbol in the place of the old emperor. One sought a face that promised continuity, a figure that solemnly waves, shakes hands and talk without saying anything decisive.This is how a place was created that would once give dignity, but today looks like a shadow of old power structures. The aura of past rule is still stuck to its walls, while the rest of the country has long since arrived in other realities.

The fairy tale of impartiality

It is still claimed that this office embody a non-partisan authority, a moral voice above things. In truth, almost every incumbent is almost from the ranks of those parties that he is supposed to represent independently. It is part of the political apparatus, not his corrective. This production, this spectacle of neutrality, loses credibility as soon asto look behind the scenes. There are networks, loyalties, power games. The beautiful appearance of an impartial mediator is laboriously maintained so that the facade does not crumble. But the cracks are unmistakable.

Rituals without meaning

The office’s duties are largely rituals that have long since lost their meaning. Speeches are given, hands shaken, certificates are presented. The company applauds politely without knowing what it is actually for. It is reminiscent of courtly ceremonies, a stage on which the protocol replaces reality. In a time when decisions are made quickly, boldly and transparentlyshould be, this office looks like a brake pad figure of the past. Even the symbolic gestures that would once radiate have become routine, empty and without emotion.

The expensive appearance of decency

An entire apparatus has established itself around this office – a court of consultants, administrative officials and accompanying staff. Each of these posts devours resources that would be urgently needed elsewhere. But because traditions and habits weigh more than reason, the pomp persists. The effort is justified with words like representation and state dignity, but in truthit is a costly theater. While society saves and reforms, the head of state treats himself to an environment that is more reminiscent of courtly splendor than democratic down-to-earthness.

An election procedure like feudal days

The incumbent’s election is a play for initiates. An exclusive circle meets, exchanges politeness and ultimately decides who will be the next face of the state. The people can watch, applaud or frown, but it has no voice. This form of choice is in open contradiction to the basic idea of democracy that all power ofpeople should go out. Instead of participation, there are spectator seats, instead of co-determination there is a staging. This creates the impression of a ritual of domination that is reminiscent of times gone by when a few are determined.

The detachment from reality

It is becoming increasingly clear that this office hardly has a connection to the citizens’ reality of life. The speeches are euphonious, but empty of content. The performances seem planned, but meaningless. The office lives on symbols, but society has long been demanding substance. A representative who is not allowed to decide, cannot change anything and does not risk anything, becomes a decorative one in the long runrelic. As a memorial of a system that attaches more importance to staging than on effectiveness, this office symbolizes the alienation between the state and the population.

The deception of the indispensable

Despite everything, it is tirelessly claimed that this office is irreplaceable for the order of the state. One speaks of stability, of tradition, of identity. But in truth, this claim is a pretext to preserve a privilege that has long been superfluous. An office that bears no responsibility but demands attention becomes a symbol of a policy that prefers to celebrate itself,than to renew. The maintenance of this appearance is nothing more than a sign of spiritual indolence. The country no longer needs ceremonies, but clarity, honesty and courage – things that are hardly to be found in this office.

A standstill symbol

The continued existence of this office is an expression of a society that is struggling to cut off old braids. It stands for insistence on forms whose content has long since disappeared. The core of democracy lies in co-creating, not in watching. As long as the office is continued, as if the credibility of the state was attached to its existence, progress remains blocked. It’s aMemorial of smugness, frozen in courtly dignity, while new questions about leadership and responsibility have long since arisen outside. This office, which was once supposed to embody stability, is now a symbol of a standstill that is holding back the country.