Volkes.Stimmen - Democracy in motion

What really moves people in this country? Which concerns, hopes and contradictions shape their view of politics, journalism and democracy – and what does this mean for public debate? 

These are the questions at the heart of the nationwide project Volkes.Stimmen. In cooperation with adult education centres, it will organise discussion and event formats throughout Germany in 2026. Initiated by Helene Bubrowski (editor-in-chief of Table.Briefings) and Simon Strauß (journalist at FAZ), the project brings journalists from renowned media houses into direct conversation with citizens. 

The aim is to create a permanent, open space for democratic self-understanding – beyond the logic of outrage and camp thinking. At the heart of the project are free interviews on equal terms – without questionnaires, without exaggeration, without hasty judgement. At the same time, Volkes.Stimmen sees itself as a self-critical project that asks how journalism is perceived across society today. 

At the kick-off event at Publix, Herbert Reul, Minister of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, will respond to citizens' perspectives based on selected voices from initial discussions and will classify them politically. Bernhard Pörksen, media scientist at the University of Tübingen, will provide an in-depth scientific classification.

Speakers: Herbert Reul, Minister of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia

Prof. Dr Bernhard Pörksen, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen

Moderation: Helene Bubrowksi, Editor-in-Chief, Table.Briefings

The project is made possible by funding from the Schöpflin Foundation and the non-profit Hertie Foundation.