Elections in focus: Migrants strengthen democracy - discourse in Neukölln!

Elections in focus: Migrants strengthen democracy - discourse in Neukölln!

On September 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. there will be an event in the Helene Nathan Library that will focus on the election results and the role of migrant communities. The political scientist Özgür Özvatan will appear as a speaker and analyze the dangers of ignoring migrant communities for the stability of the democratic system. The editor Maike Nedo will support him as a discussion partner. Admission to the event is free and registration is not required. The library is also wheelchair accessible.

The Helene Nathan Library is located in the Neukölln Arcaden, parking deck 4, on Karl-Marx-Str. 66, 12043 Berlin. Özvatan is not only a scientist, but also known as a former football player and host of the podcast “Once Politics with Everything”. His expertise in the political analysis of migrant Germans fits well with the focus of the event.

Political role of migrant communities

Özvatan's research sheds light on the increasing relevance of migrant communities in Germany's political landscape. According to Aufbau Verlage, these groups are addressed not only by established parties, but also by populist movements such as the AfD and the BSW. It is stated that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies parts of the AfD as right-wing extremist. The lack of clear democratic responses to the approach by these parties is a serious problem for political stability.

Digital communication plays a crucial role in this. Digital platforms are identified as effective channels through which these parties can spread their messages. One of Özvatan's central theses is that ignoring migrant communities could endanger the stability of the democratic system, which is also highlighted by Louis Klamroth, who notes that the issue is often ignored by the media and politics.

Challenges of political participation

The political participation of people with a migration background is a complex issue in Germany. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, only 13.6% of those eligible to vote in 2021 had a migration background. This is mainly because only around half of people with a migrant background have German citizenship. However, the proportion is significantly higher among children and young people at 40.4%.

Participation is often influenced by various factors such as education, age and professional integration. Early integration measures and an open, welcoming culture could increase the likelihood of political participation. Nevertheless, empirical analyzes show that experiences of discrimination and a low level of integration can lead to a distancing from political events.

In his analysis of the political role of migrant Germans, Özvatan will also address important proposed solutions to promote the participation of these groups and thus contribute to the stability of democracy.