Stadtgespräch: Beteiligung, Bürgerräte und gelebte Demokratie in Köln

In the organizer's words:

On September 14, we will elect our mayor, city council and integration council in Cologne.

So do we just make a cross for the next five years? Or can we also get actively involved in decisions that are important to us in the meantime? If so, can we do this in a modern way - digitally and inclusively? And can citizens' assemblies help us to resolve politically sensitive issues?

We'll talk about this with candidates for the new city council - and with you!

Program:

• 18:00 Admission
• 19:00 Introduction
• 19:20 Panel discussion
• 20:30 Reception & open discussion
• 21:00 End

Panel:

• Max Derichsweiler, Greens (constituency 43 - Mülheim 4)
• Martin Erkelenz, CDU (constituency 27 - Nippes 5)
• Isabel Gerken, Left Party (constituency 37 - Kalk 2)
• Ralph Sterck, FDP (constituency 5 - Innenstadt 5)
• Sergen Belen, Volt (constituency 19 - Ehrenfeld 2)
• Karina Syndicus, GUT & Klimafreunde (constituency 44 - Mülheim 5)
• Aaron von Kruedener, Die PARTEI (constituency 38 - Kalk 3)

Moderation: Judith Schulte-Loh

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Organizer:

• Cologne Future Council
• Cologne Volunteer Agency
• Allerweltshaus Cologne
• Cologne Municipal Sustainability Alliance

Support: Partnerships for Democracy Cologne

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Background: Participation is more important than ever for our democracy!

The world is getting smaller and smaller. We are constantly and immediately informed about everything via social media, podcasts and many other channels. Some topics are close to our hearts and we want something to change, especially in our own city: climate, traffic, housing, education, care, culture, the list is long. Where decisions are made over our heads, our powerlessness grows - and our trust in democracy suffers.

How can we ensure that politics and administration in Cologne listen to us even after the election? That we are actively asked instead of having to beg? And that our ideas and suggestions are also implemented?

Positive change is already happening.

In July 2025, Cologne's first Citizens' Council presented its final report. From March to May 2025, 60 randomly selected Cologne citizens developed recommendations for transport policy and urban development. These are now to be implemented. Despite very different interests, the members always treated each other with respect and were able to reach agreement on all issues. This is encouraging for the future - and perhaps also offers a way forward on issues that we in Cologne have been arguing about for a long time.

Living democracy in Cologne

A total of 1,400 Cologne residents from all corners of the city registered for the Citizens' Council. This shows that our city is important to us and that we are prepared to stand up for the general public. But this requires action - at all levels. In politics and administration, but also at work, at school and in many other places in our society, there is still room for democratic improvement. At the end of the day, democracy is an attitude. And this attitude only becomes visible and self-evident if we exemplify it!

Price information:

We would like to make it possible for everyone in Cologne to take part in this discussion. We would be very pleased to receive a small donation to cover the costs of the event.