December 2003 - Nr. 12
German government takes eagle’s eye view of public opinion
TWIG - For three weeks, a mobile television crew of the Federal Press Office will try to capture Germans’ hopes for their country over the next several years by giving citizens the opportunity to voice their opinions directly to the government.
The "Eagle’s Eye" is scheduled to visit all of Germany’s state capitals after kicking off its road trip in Magdeburg, where it helped celebrate the Day of German Unity on October 3.
With plans to set up shop in the city centers and favorite public meeting places of each capital, an Eagle’s Eye moderator will question local people about their vision for the future.
Foremost in everyone’s mind is the question "What will Germany look like in 2010?" Organizers of the film aim to put a finger on the pulse of public opinion while recording the general atmosphere in Germany today.
To maintain the diversity of opinion in each of Germany’s states, the comments will be edited and made into a film for each of the cities. Each film will be made available to the public on the government’s website just two days after each event.
Accompanying the crew is the Eagle’s Eye bus, a mammoth 12-meter-long, 16-ton vehicle filled with information on Schroeder’s ambitious package of economic and social reforms, known as Agenda 2010.
Representatives from the German government’s Press Office will also be on board to answer questions that citizens may have on just about any issue.
This is the third time that the Eagle’s Eye will tour Germany to measure public opinion and take an active role in fostering citizenship. Its first run was in August of this year, leading up to the government’s first open house.
And one can expect that those interviewed will not shy away from voicing criticism or articulating concerns about the state of the country. Some of the most important points mentioned in the first Eagle’s Eye tour were developing future perspectives for young people, the need for an innovative spirit, and responsibility for the environment.
Germany’s eagle symbol draws on a national tradition that reaches back to Charlemagne, who first assumed the eagle as a symbol of nobility for the Holy Roman Empire around 800 A.D. It can be found on the country’s coat of arms.
Links:
