C'mon, Do Something!

First step is to acknowledge that you have a problem. Second step however is NOT to "push back" against the person that pointed out the problems.

I the leader of your country told you that your city specifically was crime and rat infested, regardless of accuracy, would you not be offended? I sure as heck would have a bruised pride if Merkel specifically called out my home city as crime and rat infested

Sounds like a personal problem, because I would be thrilled if I lived in a shithole and everyone pretended that it wasn't, and finally a leader emerged and called it what it is. For me not to like it, I would either have to lack self-awareness, or desire to hear soft lies rather than harsh truths - in other words, be an overly sensitive cry-baby.

Still. Its your City. Doesn't matter if its true. Doesn't matter if there really is a rat problem. It still hurts the pride t hear it. I mean all your arguments are logical, but you forget that People can be emotional, and such a remark from the Prez is quite provocative.

People are entitled to their feelings. But if you avoid talking about problems because it might hurt their feelings, things don't get done.

Thats also true