One of the many benefits of being a part of a global consortium of independent public relations agencies – the Public Relations Global Network – is the ability to get a first-hand impression of major news events in other parts of the world. With so much attention focused on the frantic efforts to resolve the European debt crisis, we thought we’d check in with our affiliate in Germany to gauge the mood.
From Wiesbaden, Germany, Michael Diegelmann of the Cometis agency reports that the effects of the crisis are felt throughout the European business community, and the consensus is that a unified action is essential. “Especially the financial community sees the need for helping Greece or other countries in order to save the Euro,” Michael says. “But the unanswered question is: What do these countries pay for this help?!”
“I think there is a great majority in Europe for the European Union. The advantages for each individual economy are much bigger than staying “alone,” therefore I hope that our leaders will come to the wise decision and do everything to save the Euro and protect the interest of those who pay for this rescue.”
According to Michael, the feeling among the general population is different. When asked how the average “man on the street” was reacting to the crisis, he said “Most people think that the government should not save the banks. The attitude is the same towards saving Greece. Most people do not understand why it has gone this far, and the reason why a German taxpayer should help another country has not been clearly explained. I think this is why there is so much skepticism in Germany at the moment.”
Michael – thanks for your thoughts. The fact that the common man on the street doesn’t understand the full extent of the issues might indicate a need to hire professional Public Relations experts to help create greater awareness? What do you think? Cheers, David Landis