ARD launches democracy participation program in Germany

The ARD public broadcasting network has launched the second round of its participation program, ‘Deine Meinung zählt!’ (Your Opinion Counts!). Running from October 20 to November 1, the initiative invites individuals aged 16 and older across Germany to share their views on the future of democracy.

The program focuses on addressing public concerns regarding democratic stability, social cohesion, and potential methods for strengthening democratic processes, including ideas for direct democracy. In addition to the public participation component, the research institute infratest dimap is conducting a representative survey on the topic on behalf of ARD.

The findings are scheduled for release on November 9, coinciding with the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the memorial day for the November Pogroms. The results will be broadcast extensively across ARD’s radio, television, and digital platforms to foster public dialogue and visibility for diverse societal perspectives.