Renewing Democracy

In Germany, as in many other countries worldwide, democracy is coming under increasing pressure. Trust in the functioning of key democratic institutions and actors, such as political parties, parliaments, and political leadership, is declining, while authoritarian and populist movements are gaining influence. Many citizens want politics to be more effective, more transparent and closer to their everyday lives. To ensure that democracy is prepared for the future, it needs institutional renewal and new forms of participation.

The Bertelsmann Stiftung's “Renewing Democracy” project develops and tests reform ideas that modernize key institutions and procedures, strengthen political representation and place citizens at the center of government action.