This event, organised by Erika von Kalben (DE/The Greens) at Café Schwarz (Breitenburger Str. 14, 25524 Itzehoe), will explore the new political situation in Poland and its broader implications for European democracy. Bringing together both political perspectives and experiences from actors engaged in German-Polish relations, the discussion will focus on the growing pressure on democratic systems and examine how recent Polish elections may serve as a model for civil society engagement.
Confirmed speakers include Aleksandra Krystek-Biernacka, Consul General of Poland in Hamburg, Kyrill Kobsar from the German-Ukrainian Society, former Member of the German Bundestag Manuel Sarrazin, Claudine Nierth, Board Member of “Mehr Demokratie e.V.”, and Stefan Studt, former Interior Minister of Schleswig-Holstein and Chair of Europa-Union. Agatha Schuster from the city of Bad Bramstedt, working on town twinning, has also been invited.
Against the backdrop of global developments, the event will address how democracies worldwide are facing increasing challenges, including the rise of authoritarian movements, the weakening of the rule of law, press freedom and judicial independence, as well as the spread of disinformation and foreign interference. Particular attention will be given to the situation in Germany, where rising political polarization, the growth of extremist parties, right-wing extremism, antisemitism and attacks on politicians are putting pressure on the democratic climate.
The discussion will look at the present and future of democracy, asking how democratic systems can be made more resilient to attacks from extremist actors, whether new formats and approaches are needed, and what political parties can do to counter declining public trust in politics.