Chairman Makes Appearance in Schwerin
>> RA reaches out to Germany's New Eastern States

SCHWERIN  - Representatives of Republicans Abroad in Germany attended a gathering of German business and community leaders in the city of Schwerin, state capital of the northeast German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on January 11.  The event was sponsored by the Free Democratic Party (FDP) of Germany, highlighted by a speech by Bundestag Minority Leader Guido Westerwelle.  Speakers focused on the challenges faced by the German economy in recent years including those stemming from the reunification of East and West Germany over a decade ago.  The general themes of the event included further liberalisation of the economy and improving German health care, education and private enterprise.

 “Events such as this are a good opportunity to reach out to groups that share common values with U.S. Republicans but may otherwise never directly interact with us.” stated Germany Chairman Henry Nickel.  “Though we don’t affiliate ourselves with any foreign party, we appreciate invitations to attend events such as this.  It gives us an opportunity to engage in dialogue and build mutual understanding between the German community and Republicans.”

 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is one of the six new eastern states of the German Federal Republic created after the reunification of West and former communist East Germany.  As part of an effort to reach out to communities across Germany and enhance understanding of the Republican Party, Republicans Abroad has placed particular interest in the eastern states in its run-up to the May 2004 European Regional Conference of Republicans Abroad in Berlin.

 “It was very enlightening and interesting to speak face to face with a Republican.  I don’t think we have ever had a Republican visit us here before.”  stated Mogens Bratig, FDP chairman for the precinct of Ücker-Randow  “I hope we can continue interaction to share and discuss views on issues of mutual interest.”

Recent years have shown a decline in Germany of general public opinion toward U.S. Republicans.  Political disagreements between the U.S. and Germany have emphasised a need to improve relations and dialogue among the Party and German public at a grassroots level.  In the years following the successful defeat of Soviet communism and the creation of a unified Federal Republic of Germany, U.S. Republicans face new challenges to maintain support among Germans.  Germany’s Republicans Abroad is addressing these challenges by communicating its commitment to the common principles and mutual interests shared by many Germans including limited government, free enterprise and enhanced opportunity.

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