Fresh Face for South Schleswig Voters' Association: Sybilla Nitsch Takes the Reins
South Schleswig Voters' Association acquires fresh leadership - South Schleswig's electorate has a newly appointed leader
Hey there! Let's chat about some politics, shall we? The South Schleswig Voters' Association, aka SSW, representing the Danish and Frisian minority in Schleswig-Holstein, has got itself a fresh leader! The 44-year-old history and Danish teacher, Sybilla Nitsch, clinched the coveted spot in Busdorf (district of Schleswig-Flensburg) as the successor to Christian Dirschauer. Despite having 14 party members vote against her and one abstention, Nitsch secured a whopping 97 votes from the 112 delegates.
Nitsch, who was the first deputy chairwoman since 2020 and also the parliamentary business manager in the state parliament, had no opposition in this contest. Her ambition? To strengthen the equality of minorities at the municipal level.
According to Nitsch, the framework conditions for minorities have improved significantly over the years. She attributed this success to the SSW's unwavering efforts over decades. However, she pointed out that there is still room for improvement at the municipal level regarding equal funding for Danish schools, the promotion of the Frisian language and culture, and investments in local sports, culture, and educational institutions. She plans to discuss this structural issue with the municipal associations.
Looking ahead, Nitsch proposes a new political agenda inspired by the Nordic model of the social contract for Schleswig-Holstein. Her vision is to demonstrate that it's not just about global security, but also about the security of social systems. She wants to ensure equal conditions and economic development throughout the country, emphasizing the importance of investments in educational and cultural institutions, as well as daycare centers, for social cohesion.
Predecessor Dirschauer had already announced his departure as head of the state parliament faction after his election, paving the way for Nitsch. The 43-year-old had taken over from long-standing faction leader Lars Harms in January. He noted that the last three historically good elections have given the SSW (and the minorities) even greater political weight.
Svend Wippich, previously the second deputy chairman, was elected as the new first deputy chairman, while Sarina Quack clinched the position of second deputy chairman in a contested election against Mads Lausten. The party also called on the future federal government to include the protection and promotion of national minorities in the Basic Law and give minority languages more consideration in the media and at federal authorities.
The SSW
Established to advocate for the rights of the Danish and Frisian communities in Schleswig-Holstein, the SSW typically focuses on issues related to minority rights, cultural preservation, and regional development. Stay tuned for more updates on Sybilla Nitsch's leadership agenda and the initiatives she plans to pursue for the betterment of minority communities in the region.
- Sybilla Nitsch, the newly elected leader of the South Schleswig Voters' Association (SSW), aims to strengthen the equality of minorities at the municipal level.
- Nitsch believes that there is still room for improvement in equal funding for Danish schools, the promotion of the Frisian language and culture, and investments in local sports, culture, and educational institutions.
- Despite the improvement in framework conditions for minorities over the years, Nitsch plans to discuss the structural issues with the municipal associations.
