Sparkasse Kölnbonn starts large initiative for democracy promotion!

Sparkasse Kölnbonn starts large initiative for democracy promotion!

Bocklemünd, Deutschland - With a fresh wind, Sparkasse Kölnbonn starts an initiative to strengthen the understanding of democracy in Cologne and Bonn before the upcoming local elections on September 14, 2025. Under the motto "Democracy Plus X", the Sparkasse not only wants to encourage citizens: to actively participate in democracy, but also to sensitize young people to the political issues.

The CEO of the Sparkasse, Ulrich Voigt, emphasizes how important it is to take responsibility for democracy. Democracy projects with a total of 250,000 euros were funded last year. For 2025, the Sparkasse has now provided an impressive project volume of around one million euros, which includes numerous measures to promote democratic participation. The start of the program is in the form of an improvisation theater that was specially developed for schools in the region.

play for schools

The play "Democracy Plus X" is staged by the renowned artists: Inside Annette Frier and Peter Trabner. There are planned performances at various schools, with a special focus on students: inside from the age of 16. The first performance takes place at the Max Ernst Comprehensive School in Cologne, where around 100 students: inside from grade 9 are actively involved. Headmaster Ralf Emmermann emphasizes the immense importance of political and democratic education in schools. The play should bring the history of democracy closer to young people and encourage them to deal with current challenges.

In addition, the project "Local Policy - Politics on the front door" is offered in connection with the play to sensitize the students: inside even better. Annette Frier will hand over the play to the drama students of the Keller theater in Cologne so that future generations can also benefit from the idea. A landing page on the Sparkasse website provides comprehensive information and enables registration for the measures.

Promote the turnout

The upcoming local elections are considered particularly important because they strengthen the direct influence of the citizens: inside on their living environment. Especially at the local level, the importance of the elections is often felt as tangible and crucial for the citizens: inside. As part of political education, the state headquarters also plans to introduce tools such as the “Local-O-Mat” to support voters: inside in terms of decision-making. This digital helper is based on the established "Wahl-O-Mat" and is to be tested in ten municipalities.

These initiatives are part of a larger project that aims to increase the turnout and to raise awareness of democratic processes. After all, every voice counts and it is important that the electorate is well informed and motivated to perceive its right. In the current electoral system, many voters often feel forced to stick to the parties, even if they do not fully agree with the candidates. There are concrete demands of organizations such as "more democracy" according to a candidate -related electoral system in which voters could use their voices more flexibly

It is crucial for a lively democracy that is promoted not only by election campaigns, but also by commitment and education in the population. The Sparkasse Kölnbonn and the State Center for Political Education show with their projects how to create young people in democracy and politics in a creative way and show a good knack for the topics of the time.

More about the projects and the commitment of the Sparkasse on this topic can be found on the corresponding landing page: koelner.de .