Solidarity

Solidarity is in demand!
In view of the Corona pandemic, this call can be heard from the mouths of many politicians, doctors, social institutions and churches. It is not only about wearing masks. In view of the economic collapse of entire industries and especially of small and medium-sized businesses, the economy and the capital market are also called upon. That there is a close connection between the attitude of solidarity and the capital market becomes almost obvious when we ask about the etymological roots of the term solidarity. The various underlying Latin terms, such as ‘solidum, solidus, in solidum and solidaris’ reveal this connection. ‘Solidum’ can mean security, solid ground and also capital. ‘Solidus’ means durable, solid and lasting. With this word is also meant the gold coin. The form ‘in solidum’ means to stand up for the debt of the whole and aims to reduce debt. This short description shows what the money and capital market has to do with solidarity. Solidarity with regard to the economy means to guarantee with the available capital a solid ground, which offers security and to use the money in a solid way, so that a lasting future, solid prosperity and durable social measures can be guaranteed. This also includes the reduction of debt through socially appropriate and balanced measures. In this sense, solidarity is now called for to cushion the crash of the economy, the loss of jobs, possible bankruptcies and growing social hardship. This solidarity cannot be shifted solely to the state, at least to the taxpayer. This also raises the question anew: what, how and where do we invest?