Democracy under pressure – What holds our country together

Democracy thrives on differing opinions – and on the ability to resolve conflicts constructively and develop solutions capable of winning majority support. Particularly in times of growing polarisation, declining trust in democratic institutions and an increasingly acrimonious culture of debate, the question arises: what holds our democracy together?

The German Bundestag is the central forum where differing interests converge and political compromises are negotiated. What role does it play in this process? And what is needed to strengthen trust in our democratic institutions and safeguard social cohesion?

At this event, Armin Laschet, Member of the Bundestag, President of the Bonn Academy, will welcome the President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöckner. Other guests include Prof. Dr Karl-Rudolf Korte, Director Emeritus of the NRW School of Governance, and Michael Bröcker, Editor-in-Chief of Table.Briefings. Dr Helge Matthiesen, Editor-in-Chief of the General-Anzeiger Bonn, will lead a discussion on key challenges and prospects for our democracy.

The event is being held in cooperation with the Haus der Geschichte Foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany. Prof. Dr Harald Biermann, President of the Haus der Geschichte Foundation, will address the guests with a welcome speech at the start.

You will have the opportunity to attend the event in person and put your questions to the panellists. Please register in advance.