Demokratie in der Zerreißprobe

In the organizer's words:

And so here we are - almost a year after the early Bundestag elections, taking stock: What is the state of democracy in Germany? What has changed under the new federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz - and what is still to come? While political debates are dominated by buzzwords such as security, asylum and integration, many questions remain unanswered: What about affordable housing, fair pensions, strategies for the energy transition or climate change? What about the hard-won rights of minorities? And what role does media coverage play in all of this?

We are confronted with enormous challenges: Social discourse is characterized by racism and anti-Semitism, social inequalities, increasing insecurity and an aggressive digital debate culture. The spread of targeted disinformation makes it impossible to have an objective debate on key political issues. At the same time, the media, educational institutions and politicians are struggling to find their bearings in an increasingly polarized public sphere.

Sapir von Abel talks to journalist Gilda Sahebi, economist Betiel Berhe and digital strategist Benjamin Fischer about the state of our democracy. A conversation that provides space for differentiated perspectives, critical questions and uncertainties - away from populism and polarization.

The classical guitarist Pedro Aguiar opens up spaces for thought and frames the evening musically.