Marco Prietz Deactivates Social Media After Landrat Election
Marco Prietz, the Landrat of the Rotenburg district, deactivated his personal Facebook and Instagram accounts on September 14 following his reelection. Prietz cited social media as a stress factor and a source of addiction, stating he intends to prioritize administrative duties over digital self-presentation, as reported by the Kreiszeitung.
Administrative Duties Replace Digital Presence
Prietz waited until after winning the election for an eight-year term before exiting the platforms. He told the Kreiszeitung that voters needed the ability to inform themselves about his candidacy during the campaign. Now that the election is over, he argues that his primary responsibility is not taking selfies, but managing the district budget, designating wind power areas, and ensuring the administrative building at Rotenburg’s Pferdemarkt becomes operational for staff.
To maintain transparency, Prietz directed citizens to follow the official accounts of the Rotenburg district for updates on his professional work.
Algorithms Prioritize Extreme Positions over Nuanced Debate
Prietz expressed concern that social media algorithms prioritize negative emotions and extreme positions over nuanced debate. He contrasted current digital campaigning with his early political work in 2011, noting that the CDU previously focused more on complex, ten-page position papers and detailed discussions.
This sentiment is shared by other political figures.
Prietz Remains Accessible via Email and Phone
Despite his absence from Facebook and Instagram, Prietz remains accessible through traditional and direct communication methods. According to the Weser-Kurier, he can be reached via:
- Email: landrat@lk-row.de
- Office Phone: 04261/9832000
- Personal mobile phone
Comparison of Social Media Perspectives
| Perspective | Marco Prietz (CDU) | Katharina Dröge (Greens) |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Deactivated personal accounts | Maintains accounts, limits private posts |
| Primary Critique | Stress, addiction, and loss of nuance | Algorithmic promotion of conflict |
| View on Utility | Useful for campaigns, not for governing | Useful for reach, but often “too silly” |
Questions Regarding the Landrat’s Return
It remains unclear exactly how long this hiatus will last. He has not set a specific date for reactivation.
Common Questions About the Social Media Break
Does the Landrat still post official updates?
Yes, but only through the official Landkreises Rotenburg accounts, not through a personal profile.
Was Prietz’s decision triggered by online harassment?
No. He told the Kreiszeitung that he has rarely been severely insulted online and can count such instances on one hand.
How many posts did Prietz publish before leaving?
According to the Weser-Kurier, Prietz published over 1,500 posts and numerous stories across his platforms before his September 14 departure.
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