Democracy

Our democracy and civil society are under pressure. The majority of people in Germany still considers democracy the best form of government, but they are less and less satisfied with its implementation. Trust in institutions and political processes is declining, and expectations for participation and justice often remain unfulfilled. When people do not feel heard, it weakens democratic resilience and jeopardizes social cohesion. Unequal access to resources and political influence particularly affect those whose voices go unheard due to, for example, their background, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental condition, or social status. The failure to include everyone results in decisions that do not do justice to all social realities – and weakens society's ability to responsibly deal with crises. A sustainable democracy must therefore be strengthened in a way that ensures everyone is  recognized and can participate. 

In times of upheaval and global challenges, we need inclusive, fair, and resilient societies. We are committed to a vibrant and forward-looking democracy characterized by cohesion, trust, and solidarity. We strive for a strong and equitable coexistence in which everyone can participate equally and bear responsibility for the common good.  To achieve this, we want to strengthen structures and processes that enable everyone to participate, regardless of their background, religion, social status, or other characteristics. We are working to reduce historically entrenched inequalities and to incorporate marginalized perspectives into political decision-making. A strong democracy needs spaces for dialogue and participation where people can engage with each other. It must be able to manage crises responsibly and counteract divisive tendencies. That is why we support initiatives that strengthen trust in democratic institutions and ensure the resilience of our society.

To face the future, our democracy needs two things: resilience and the ability to transform. It must be able to overcome crises and setbacks without forfeiting its fundamental values. A resilient democracy can deflect attacks on institutions, social divisions, and crises of confidence, and emerge stronger as a result. It must also be able to adapt to new circumstances and seize opportunities. It must be able to respond flexibly to demographic change, technological developments, and global challenges such as the climate crisis. To accomplish these goals, we focus on four areas: communities that promote cohesion, networks that connect actors, discourse that incorporates different perspectives, and politics that make fair and inclusive decisions.