Alcohol and politics: “We can’t expect this kind of behavior or justify it by belittling it.”

In recent weeks, Theo Franken, Vincent van Quickenborn and Conner Russo have been singled out for a drunken evening and inappropriate behaviour. What public health message do they send? How do they organize their communications to justify themselves?

As for their image, these behaviors are far from positive. First of all, because it will reduce alcohol consumption, according to Dr. Thomas Urban, general practitioner and alcoholic: “I am afraid to see that these politicians are no longer politically great. Politics is the job of serving the people, it is difficult and it imposes itself on them 24 hours a day. We cannot expect this kind of behavior from them, and even less and they justify it by belittling it.”

After the events they were exposed to, these politicians tried to justify themselves. It is difficult to find effective communication to restore their image.

“This is an attempt to explain how this can happen. In terms of communication, the important thing is to have a clear and unambiguous message, to be transparent. Above all, to have empathy, honesty and authenticity.”“, explains Julian Radart, communications expert at Acanto.