Democracy Under Pressure – Social Cohesion in an Age of Multiple Crises

Whether in elections, on social media, or in public discourse – democratic values in Germany are increasingly being questioned, often accompanied by deep mistrust towards politics, the media, and state institutions. Democracy is not only being challenged by the extremist fringes. Authoritarian views are also increasingly present in the center of society. Studies such as the 2022/23 “Mitte” study show that, in the context of multiple overlapping crises, a significantly larger portion of the societal center is turning away from democratic values, norms, and fundamental principles than in previous years. In response to complex problems, there is a growing demand for simplistic and authoritarian solutions.

Although around 90% of the population still broadly support the idea of democracy, according to the 2024 Leipzig Authoritarianism Study, only 42.3% of respondents are satisfied with “how democracy works in the Federal Republic of Germany.” Nearly 39% of people in Germany believe that the country needs a single strong (ethno-nationalist) party. Almost 24% would prefer a strong leader, and 19% consider a dictatorship to be a better form of government than democracy under certain circumstances.

Against this backdrop, we are very pleased to welcome Daniela Ludwig, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of the Interior, to the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM, to discuss these urgent challenges.

Together with our guest and our audience, we want to explore how the Federal Ministry of the Interior views the current threats to our democratic society. What political and social responses are needed to restore trust in the democratic order and to strengthen democracy in the long term? What political and legal tools are available, and where do state measures reach their limits? Is banning the AfD a viable solution? How do democratic parties respond to the challenge of not being driven rhetorically by authoritarian or right-wing populist forces, and of not competing in undermining human rights? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we come together again as a society?

We are very much looking forward to your participation and kindly ask you to register by October 13, 2025.