Malu Dreyer: "I can make the world fairer"
North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, Thuringia and now Rhineland-Palatinate: The women conquer the federal states. With Malu Dreyer, the fourth woman became Prime Minister, and like Hannelore Kraft, the SPD politician embodies a type that arrives in the people: strong, committed, authentic. So far, Malu Dreyer acted rather unnoticed by the Federal policy as Minister of Social Affairs in Rhineland-Palatinate. But then she suddenly came into the limelight when Kurt Beck, the country's former prime minister, announced he would quit his office in January and propose her as his successor. But Malu Dreyer, who is actually called Marie Luise, does not just want to step in as a substitute. Already in 2016 she is planning to re-elect the Prime Minister. This is particularly noteworthy because Malu Dreyer has been suffering from multiple sclerosis for 20 years and is sitting in a wheelchair. What else you should know about this woman? we summarized it.
© Roland Holschneider / dpaNo taboo topicThe electoral Trier does not want to be defined by her illness, which is why she gets out of her wheelchair on many occasions to take a few steps. Although she needs a stick or someone to support her, she makes it so clear: she has multiple sclerosis, but she certainly will not be beaten. Malu Dreyer has been living with the disorder of the nervous system for 20 years, which can be very different. Possible symptoms include impaired vision, spasticity or fatigue. Malu Dreyer feels good though. "Of course, I have to go to physiotherapy more often, but we naturally incorporate this into my daily routine," Dreyer told ChroniquesDuVasteMonde.
© Imago / Werner SchmittA heart for the weak:Malu Dreyer is not a politician committed only for the sake of power. Anyone who meets her experiences her as heart warm, open and sincerely interested. As a social minister, she argued, for example, for minimum wages, child care, education for all. "Since I can think, social justice is my big issue," she says in an interview with ChroniquesDuVasteMonde. That's why she also went into politics: "It made me feel that I can make the world a fairer place, and as Prime Minister, I have even more opportunities."
© Wolf P. Prange / ImagoMalu Dreyer, the fighterIn addition to her social streak Malu Dreyer but also distinguishes a strong will to fight. What she tackles, she moves through, whether it is her law degree, her job as a prosecutor or her change in politics. Among her political achievements is the introduction of the project "Jobfux": This measure makes it easier for young people to make the transition from school to work, thus reducing youth unemployment. Dreyer saw to it that Jobfux counseling offices were set up in many schools to help especially young people who are socially disadvantaged or struggle with individual difficulties.
© Seeliger / ImagoThe Trier "Schammatdorf": Here Malu Dreyer fuels Together with her husband, the Lord Mayor of Trier Klaus Jensen and three children from his first marriage, Dreyer lives in the so-called "Schammatdorf" in Trier. It is a model residential area where disabled and non-disabled people live together. Here is a lot of communication, the neighbors help each other, wherever a shoe pushes. The buildings and outdoor facilities are designed to meet the needs of wheelchair users. "For me, the quality of life is pure, I am so happy to be here, also because it is so uncomplicated," says Dreyer about their place of residence. "This is the place I want to grow old."
© Frederick of Erichsen / dpaStrong network: Malu Dreyer counts on the women at her sideAnyone who watches performances by Malu Dreyer finds that she is almost always accompanied by her colleagues. When Kurt Beck introduced her as her successor, Social Secretary Jaqueline Kraege was always at her side. For a long time it was Sabine May, who accompanied the minister at every turn as personal adviser. There are practical reasons for this - the women help her when she wants to get out of the wheelchair or remove obstacles from her way. But they are also their confidants and an important part of their network. So it comes as no surprise that Dreyer gives Jaqueline Kraege an important position in her ministry: she will head the State Chancellery in the future. It will not be the last strategic move of the new head of state.
