In his JPoX interview, Hermann Scheer assesses that reforms of the political system in Germany are necessary and possible. Focussing on the public perception of democratic processes, he observes a split between the people and their representatives. Most of the latter ones work as experts in political institutions which are becoming more and more hermetic bringing about less and less exchange of information.

Hermann Scheer calls for a reassessment of the role of the parliament as a representative of the people. Members of the parliament usually follow the interests of the ruling parties, thus strengthening the supremacy of parties in general. According to Hermann Scheer, a direct voting for deputies as it is the case in the United States should be considered.

Furthermore he proposes the use of referenda so as to refresh the political system. He points out people’s need to feel represented in a democracy. Scheer also cautions against an increasing difference between the real public opinion and the published public opinion. The latter not necessarily conforms to the former, but sometimes rather seems to stem from within a closed system of journalists closely embedded in political and economical contexts.