Diana Kinnert (CDU): "I'm on a different footing than my party colleagues"
Diana Kinnert (26) has been involved in politics since 2009 and is a member of the CDU. In her latest book "For the Future I See Black," the electoral woman promotes modern conservatism.
F Mag: Diana, why are you in the CDU?
I wanted to be a member of a People's Party. People's parties reflect the really important debates of a society as a whole. I suspected that I could really move something in this argument.
I finally decided to join the CDU because I was able to identify with their everlasting core values and basic principles.
What are these basic values?
The CDU has grown out of three ideological roots: the Christian-social, the bourgeois-liberal and the value conservative root. Together, they create a social and political concept that I find very, very sensible.
Live and share these values all in the CDU?
We are almost half a million members. I do not know every member personally. It is impossible that all these members have exactly the same understanding of the CDU's fundamental values, and yet I believe that we share a common foundation, yes.
I support many social liberal positions. Not infrequently I am on a different side from my very traditionalist, morality-loving party colleagues.
Many ask me: "Why should I choose the CDU? Much does not suit me there." Exactly then, the correct consequence would be to assert oneself and its needs and opinions in this party. Become a member instead of just voting!
I have always had a problem with the grave thoughts of "the politicians" and "us citizens".
Why are you doing politics?
I have always had a problem with the grave thoughts of "the politicians" and "us citizens". Parties live, experience and rise from citizens.
Anyone who becomes a member of the party may decide on the composition of the candidates and the contents of the election program. That is a democratic privilege that I do not want to miss.
Which three things would you like to change?
I would like to participate in a non-partisan reflection on the reform needs of political parties. Parties must reduce barriers to participation and become more low-threshold. They must increasingly focus on underrepresented target groups such as young people, women and citizens with different backgrounds.
This would bring real diversity, real pluralism of opinion, real democratic representation to Parliament - that is important to me. Representation is the best guarantee of a policy based on the common good.
And finally, I wish for more serenity in the public discourse!
How is the fact that you are committed to women, the CDU and your Christian faith?
My Christian Creed attributes holiness to every living entity because we are God's creation. I believe in that. And that is why I do not quarrel with any part of my identity, and I want to fight anything and anyone who persuades people that something about them is not valuable.
On the contrary, I believe that people who demonize homosexuality, for example, miss out on any Christian reverence and humility because they distort an entire human being into something completely biologic in their absolute fascination.
Are you a feminist?
Of course. Equality and equal opportunities are very important to me. Our society is still patriarchal in many areas. However, when it comes to the respect of emotionality or influence in education, then I am also a good Masukulist.
What do you think about Angela Merkel?
I am a political scientist and I appreciate that we perceive institutions in front of people - and for that very reason would not have suggested a renewed candidacy.
And yet I think: she is the best candidate my party has to offer. I find it admirable because, while it is still the same value-connected person as it was twelve years ago, its political agenda is changing over time.
That she wants to learn every day, does not hesitate to correct perspectives, and stands firm, even if the applause stays away, I find very courageous. And courage is a great political virtue.
Dear Diana, thank you for the interview!
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