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Citizens' dialogue in Gotha: Declining values and cosmopolitanism in focus!
On October 15, 2025, a citizens' dialogue on cosmopolitanism and the decline in values will take place in Gotha. Be there!
Citizens' dialogue in Gotha: Declining values and cosmopolitanism in focus!
An exciting event is coming up in Gotha on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, which is likely to captivate many citizens from the region. The citizen dialogue Limus Zukunftsschmiede e.V. is dedicated to a topic of great social relevance under the motto “Cosmopolitanism meets decline in values”. Between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the event offers the opportunity to discuss together and exchange perspectives in the “listen & talk” format.
The central discussion question, “Who am I in the fight for ‘German cultural heritage’?”, invites people to examine different perspectives and show appreciation for other opinions. Those responsible in particular from politics and business who can make an active contribution through their participation are particularly addressed. Advance registration is desired; Anyone interested can contact the organizer by email at hallo@limus-zukunftsschmiede.de or by phone at +49 (176) 22 83 62 07. The venue is the LIMUS-Zukunftsschmiede at Langensalzaer Straße 14.
Citizen dialogues in Germany: A trend with challenges
The current citizens' dialogue in Gotha is part of a tradition that began around ten years ago with the “Living Well in Germany” initiative. This series, launched by the federal government, aimed to integrate citizens' voices into political decision-making processes. The kick-off took place in the Berlin Gasometer and already showed how important citizens' opinions are. After over 200 dialogues, valuable data on the quality of life in Germany was collected, but the practical implementation often fell short of expectations. According to the political scientist Claudia Landwehr Many of the dialogues turned out to be a “simulation of citizen participation” with no lasting consequences for politics.
This problem reflects a growing gap between citizens and politicians. This is what the retired publicist said Hans Mathias Kepplinger Concern that many politicians avoid controversial topics and only rhetorically strong voices are heard, which is also evidenced by the decline in votes, as with the SPD. Without genuine exchange and the willingness to take citizens' concerns seriously, the political landscape threatens to stagnate.
New approaches to citizen participation
The discussion about citizen participation has gained momentum after the controversial Stuttgart 21 project. Citizens want to be more involved in decisions, be it in local construction projects or through the European Citizens' Initiative at EU level. Digitalization plays an important role here because the Internet enables a broader dissemination of information and makes participation easier. In recent years, many initiatives have emerged that aim to give citizens a voice and promote participation, including projects such as Trialogue in Leipzig or participatory budgeting procedures in various cities.
Nevertheless, the path to real involvement of the population is riddled with challenges. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education As stated, costs and the involvement of groups that do not participate are central issues in the implementation of citizen participation programs. It is also important to strengthen the political participation of people with a migration background and to create new access.
In summary, it can be said that the citizens' dialogue in Gotha offers a welcome opportunity to discuss what constitutes “German cultural assets” and how we as a community can maintain and shape values. Don't miss this chance!