Students conquer the NRW state parliament: democracy you can touch in Düsseldorf!

Students conquer the NRW state parliament: democracy you can touch in Düsseldorf!

On June 10, 2025, the state parliament in Düsseldorf will become a classroom for around 700 students from North Rhine-Westphalia for two days. The “State Parliament Makes School” event offers ninth grade students the opportunity to experience political processes up close and to actively participate in discussions. In simulated plenary sessions, young people have the opportunity to ask questions and enter into dialogue with members of the state parliament presidium. This extraordinary event, which according to Tixio serves the goal of promoting political interest and arousing a deeper understanding of the state constitution, attracts participants from various schools in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The participating schools include the Joseph Beuys Comprehensive School from Düsseldorf, the Erich-Kästner-Gymnasium and the Cologne-Holweide Comprehensive School. The students take an active part in the discussion about the inclusion of happiness as a state goal in the North Rhine-Westphalian constitution, which shows how seriously they deal with current issues.

Experience political education up close

André Kuper, President of the State Parliament, emphasizes the importance of the action days. "The state constitution is a central part of our life here in the country. It ensures freedom and justice and forms the basis of our democracy," he explains. Campaigns such as “State Parliament Makes School” are intended to arouse curiosity and understanding of political processes, and the young people learn about the structures of government and opposition as well as the voting processes, according to Landtag NRW.

The historical background is also interesting: The North Rhine-Westphalian constitution was passed on June 6, 1950 and came into force on July 11, 1950. It anchors the basic principles of parliamentary democracy as well as regulations on education, culture and the economy. In addition, children's and young people's rights were integrated into the constitution in 2002 in order to secure the right to a non-violent upbringing. The commitment with which the students discuss is promising for the future generation of voters, and it shows that the state parliament is serious about political education, which has been intensively promoted since 2018.

A look into the future of democracy

The political passion and interest of young people is a positive sign. According to the latest figures, over 17,000 students took part in interactive school visits last year. This is also reflected in the enthusiasm of the students, who have a clear idea of ​​what they want and expect from politics. Because the state parliament offers a forum, they can actively participate in democratic decision-making and experience in concrete terms how processes work.

In conclusion, it can be said that “State Parliament sets a school” is not just an event, but an important bridge for young people to democratic issues and political participation. A good way to prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the democracy that pulsates in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia. A complete success for everyone involved, which will hopefully set a precedent and continue in the coming years.