We know exactly that we—the next generation—can build on the work you have done, that this society can stand on the shoulders of what you have accomplished through decades of extremely hard, diligent, and wholehearted effort, and continue to do even today. Countless grandmothers, grandfathers, and even great-grandparents still play an essential and fundamental role in families to this day.
I can honestly tell you that I myself would not be able to do this work if my parents were not there, and if my grandparents were not there either, helping me on a daily basis to balance my work with raising my young daughter.
May God grant you long life—may you stay with us for many years to come, in strength and good health. I truly hope that the Gondosóra program can contribute to this as much as possible, and that this device can help save as many lives as possible.
And please allow me, here during Advent, to wish you in advance a warm, peaceful, and calm Christmas spent with your families, filled with health and serenity.
This statement is a classic, carefully constructed paternalistic–emotional speech that operates on multiple levels at the same time.
1️⃣ Generational legitimation (“we stand on your shoulders”)
“the next generation can build on the work you have done”
This is a moral authorization technique:
- the older generation is endowed with moral capital,
- the current political direction appears as continuity,
- any criticism implicitly looks like ingratitude.
👉 Message: whoever is with us respects grandparents and the family.
2️⃣ Family self-disclosure as a credibility tool
“I couldn’t do this work if it weren’t for my parents and grandparents”
This is controlled personal disclosure:
- not vulnerability,
- not conflict,
- but a model citizen narrative.
👉 The politician is not an exception, but “living the same life as everyone else.”
This is especially effective with an elderly audience because it:
- acknowledges their help,
- morally elevates their role.
3️⃣ The care device as an emotional bridge (not a technical policy)
“this device can save as many lives as possible”
What is notably missing:
- no data,
- no costs,
- no operational challenges.
👉 The care device is not presented as a state instrument, but as:
- a symbol of care,
- an object of reassurance,
- a metaphor of “the state = family.”
This is emotional policy marketing, not public policy.
4️⃣ Religious–festive framing
“God bless you… during Advent… peaceful Christmas”
This creates cultural closure:
- Christian language,
- festive timing,
- a shared value space.
👉 The speech closes off debate, because anyone outside it “doesn’t feel the moment.”
5️⃣ What is not said – and this is the key
There is no mention of:
- the financial situation of the elderly,
- the condition of healthcare,
- the burden on elderly care systems,
- the caregiving responsibility shifted onto families.
👉 Real systemic strain is replaced with emotional recognition.
🎯 Summary – what is this speech for?
This speech:
✔️ reassures
✔️ signals appreciation
✔️ legitimizes a program
❌ but does not solve structural problems
This is not manipulation in an aggressive sense, but rather
soft paternalism + emotional consolidation.