Steinmeier highlighted the pervasive public skepticism surrounding reform initiatives, attributing it partly to the nature of discourse on social media. He argued that the essential nuances of democratic dialogue have been overshadowed, complicating the development of comprehensive reform packages that resonate with the public. The President noted that previous efforts to consolidate reforms into a cohesive proposal have not succeeded in gaining public support. This statement was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 22, 2026.