Sparkasse KölnBonn launches major initiative to promote democracy!

Sparkasse KölnBonn launches major initiative to promote democracy!

With a breath of fresh air, Sparkasse KölnBonn is launching an initiative that is intended 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 political issues.

The Sparkasse's CEO, Ulrich Voigt, emphasizes how important it is to take responsibility for democracy. Last year, democracy projects were funded with a total of 250,000 euros. 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 program kicks off in the form of an improvisational theater that was developed specifically for schools in the region.

Play for schools

The play “Democracy plus X” is staged by the renowned artists Annette Frier and Peter Trabner. Performances are planned at various schools, with a particular focus on students aged 16 and over. The first performance takes place at the Max Ernst Comprehensive School in Cologne, where around 100 students from grade 9 onwards are actively involved. Headmaster Ralf Emmermann emphasizes the immense importance of political and democratic education in schools. The piece is intended to bring the history of democracy closer to young people and encourage them to deal with current challenges.

In addition, the project “Local politics – politics on the doorstep” is offered in conjunction with the play in order to sensitize the students even better. Annette Frier will hand the piece over to the acting students at the Theater der Keller in Cologne so that future generations can also benefit from the idea. A landing page on the Sparkasse website provides those interested with comprehensive information and allows them to register for the measures.

Promote voter participation

The upcoming local elections are considered particularly important because they strengthen citizens' direct influence on their living environment. Especially at the local level, the importance of elections is often perceived as tangible and decisive for citizens. As part of political education, the state headquarters also plans to introduce tools such as the “Lokal-O-Mat” to support voters in making decisions. 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 effort aimed at increasing voter turnout and raising awareness of democratic processes. After all, every vote counts and it is important that the electorate is well informed and motivated to exercise their right. In the current electoral system, many voters often feel compelled to stick with parties, even if they don't fully agree with the candidates. There are concrete calls from organizations like “More Democracy” for a candidate-based electoral system in which voters could use their votes more flexibly.

It is crucial for a vibrant democracy, which is promoted not only through election campaigns but also through engagement and education among the population. With their projects, the Sparkasse KölnBonn and the State Center for Civic Education show how young people can be creatively introduced to democracy and politics while demonstrating a good grasp of the issues of the day.

You can find out more about the Sparkasse's projects and commitment to this topic on the corresponding landing page: koelner.de.