What makes a good politician?

Our society lacks something important: The trust of citizens in the personal integrity of their politicians. No society and no economy can function without trust. I need to be able to trust that others are honest, respect laws and treaties, and behave generally fairly.

This principle also applies to politics. Our world is so interwoven that there are no easy answers. A nation-state cannot decouple itself from developments in other parts of the world, nor will there be solutions to problems that satisfy everyone. When in doubt, we citizens believe the politician in whom we have the most trust. Instead of complex solutions or concepts that many of us cannot see through, we rely on competence and long for authenticity. We want politicians who say what they think and do what they say.

But this does not include “God’s anointment” as mentioned by Sen. Manny Pacquiao (“‘God’s anointment’ is clincher for Pacquiao’s presidential run,” 12/21/20). Certainly not.

A good politician acts accordingly so that the voter knows what he stands for and can be sure that he will not hang his flag at every opportunity. On the other hand, he acts based on facts and not based on mere ideology. Therefore, if necessary, he can change his mind. He puts the well-be
ing of the entire population in the foreground, not just that of a specific lobby group, of his constituency or, in the worst case, of his own. A good politician must understand that for every issue there is a contradicting view.

Anyone who relies only on testimony from friends or on “God’s anointment” will fail as a leader.

JÜRGEN SCHÖFER, Ph.D.
Pasig City
[email protected]