Politicians Need to Speak More to Engage Society, Says Stjernkvist
Lars Stjernkvist argues for increased political communication to address societal issues such as loneliness.
Key Points
- • Lars Stjernkvist argues that politicians should talk more rather than focus solely on actions.
- • He believes that words can inspire social engagement and influence public perception.
- • Stjernkvist emphasizes the importance of communication in addressing societal issues like loneliness.
- • A better understanding of problems through dialogue can lead to more effective solutions.
In a thought-provoking article, Lars Stjernkvist, a former Secretary of the Social Democrats, emphasizes the critical role of political communication in shaping public attitudes and fostering social engagement. Published on July 7, 2025, Stjernkvist argues that instead of prioritizing actions over words, politicians should engage in more dialogue to effectively address societal issues, particularly loneliness, which affects hundreds of thousands of Swedes.
Reflecting on a recent seminar, Stjernkvist recalls how Social Minister Jakob Forssmed was pressed for concrete actions regarding loneliness, highlighting a common expectation from the public for politicians to provide specific solutions. However, he believes that discussions around these issues are equally important. He asserts that articulating views can clarify complex challenges and promote a shared understanding among politicians and citizens.
Stjernkvist posits that increased communication could lead to greater respect for political processes and facilitate collaborative efforts to tackle issues like loneliness. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, he believes politicians can bridge divides and ultimately gain more public support for the concrete actions that follow such discussions.
As Stjernkvist poignantly states, understanding problems through conversation can lead to effective solutions, marking an essential shift in how political communication is perceived and utilized in Swedish society.