Advocates of The Final Generation Push for a "Tranquil Upheaval"
In the heart of Berlin, the German Bundestag will host a three-day event from Friday to Sunday, with central questions of democracy and society under discussion. This initiative, dubbed the Parliament of the People, has been launched by the New Generation Group, an offshoot of the Last Generation. A jury of 60 citizens, chosen randomly through a lottery, will convene in a geodesic dome to formulate principles for a new generation of democracy.
Disillusioned with the existing political system, the Parliament of the People is seen as a response to growing public discontent. Critics, such as former SPD Bundestag member Marco Burow, have lamented the increasing influence of economic interests on political decisions and the replacement of the "competition of ideas" with "profit interests and party tactics." Burow claims that the parliament he worked in 19 years ago bears little resemblance to the one in place today.
The acceptance of a lottery-based forum is intended to counteract this development. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds without factional constraints, the initiative aims to update the "operating system of democracy," which has remained largely unchanged for decades. Exponents believe that creative and emotional forms of expression, combined with classical discussion elements, will foster a more resilient democracy less vulnerable to corruption and elite capture.
The Parliament of the People will primarily focus on reducing the influence of money on society and democracy. Activist Emma Dorow also emphasizes the urgency of the climate crisis and social division, advocating for a "peaceful, democratic revolution" to address the seemingly imminent "democracy crisis" and the need for additional, citizen-based bodies like the Parliament of the People. Lars Werner, another member of the movement, underscores the importance of protest, engagement, trust-building, and collaboration among people in pursuit of a better world. Criticism of the project is welcomed, reflecting its integral role in the democratic process.
This out-of-the-box approach to democracy is part of a broader movement aiming to innovate democratic systems and enhance civic participation. Lottery-based citizen assemblies, such as the Parliament of the People, are inspired by the concept of "democracy-by-lottery," striving to better reflect the actual composition of the public, minimize demographic skews, and combat the undue influence of elites or money. The goal is to update the democratic system to make it more resilient and representative, fostering a more balanced and inclusive political landscape.
What is the focus of the Parliament of the People, as expressed by activist Emma Dorow? It includes reducing the influence of money on society and democracy, and addressing the urgency of the climate crisis and social division.
In what way does the Parliament of the People aim to combat the increasing influence of economic interests on politics and the replacement of "competition of ideas" with "profit interests and party tactics"? By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds without factional constraints and using creative and emotional forms of expression, the initiative aims to foster a more resilient democracy less vulnerable to corruption and elite capture.
