Overview
- The state chancellery said the government will work out the law’s contents in the coming months with the goal of presenting a bill this year.
- The initiative prioritizes less centralization and stronger local networks to reinforce democratic culture, institutions, and social cohesion in Hesse.
- According to the coalition agreement, the law is set to secure political education and prevention programs, support extracurricular project partners, embed reporting and counseling centers, and strengthen efforts against antisemitism.
- Officials link the push to a state-commissioned survey showing widespread worry about eroding public order and bureaucracy despite generally better ratings for democracy within Hesse than nationally.
- Experts urge practical measures alongside legislation, with Wolfgang Schroeder calling for more community meeting places and Reiner Becker emphasizing youth participation, stronger media literacy in schools, sustained youth work, and viewing March’s municipal elections as a key gauge.