VISION DUEL - Three People Dream of Democracy

But how can this work in practice? What does a democracy look like in which citizens not only vote every few years, but actually have a say, help shape the system, and participate in decision-making? And what role do new technologies, social movements, and new forms of political participation play?
In a mix of TED Talk and discussion, we want to search for answers together: What might the next revolution in democracy look like?

Three people will share three different perspectives and visions:

Ralf-Uwe Beck: Lessons from the Peaceful Revolution

Ralf-Uwe Beck, a theologian, civil rights activist, and spokesperson for the board of “Mehr Demokratie e. V.,” advocates for a democracy in which people not only vote but can also make binding decisions between elections. His thesis: Direct democracy fosters a sense of self-efficacy and can counteract frustration, alienation, and authoritarian tendencies.

Henning Jeschke and Lina Eichler: People’s Parliaments Instead of Climate Protesters

Henning Jeschke and Lina Eichler ask how social protest can be transformed into democratic agency. Their vision: People need new spaces and forms to take on political responsibility together—not just on the streets, but within democratic processes.

Lukas Salecker: deliberAIde – Democracy Through Better Conversations

With deliberAIde, Lukas Salecker is developing a platform designed to support citizen dialogues with the help of AI. His vision: a “Fireside Democracy” in which people regularly consult with one another, while AI helps make participation more inclusive, accessible, and effective—without replacing political decisions.