Discussion on Speed: Political Learning Session for New Voters Held in the Carl Mine
In the heart of Essen, on September 4th, 2025, a unique event took place at Zeche Carl. Nineteen students from nine local schools participated in a SpeedDebating event, organised by the youth welfare office to prepare them for the upcoming 2025 local elections.
The event was designed to foster political education and encourage young people's participation. A teacher from Heinz-Nixdorf-Berufskolleg emphasised its importance, stating that it was a wonderful opportunity for students to converse with politicians and meet them.
In the SpeedDebating format, students had a few minutes each to ask their questions directly to the candidates. The event included candidates for the position of Mayor: Thomas Kufen (CDU), Julia Klewin (SPD), Inga-Marie Sponheuer (Alliance 90/The Greens), Andreas Lojewski (AfD), and Heiko Müller (FDP).
Before and during the event, preparatory workshops were conducted. Eighteen class moderators supported the students as they worked on their questions and informed themselves about the election programs and party themes. A student from Gesamtschule Borbeck summarised the event as a nice opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the candidates.
Many young people felt taken seriously and close to politics after engaging in conversation with the candidates. A student council member from Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium stated that the event helped them make a decision for the local election and that some parties spoke to them on equal terms and took their topics seriously.
However, not all candidates were equally effective in their responses. The student council member also mentioned that some candidates answered their questions clearly and substantively, while others were far from them in content and approach.
The SpeedDebating event served as an invitation for many young people to actively use their voting right from the age of 16. It provided orientation for many young people and encouraged them to share their impressions with their peers and at home.
For more information about the event or the city of Essen, please contact the Press and Communications Office at:
- Telephone: +49 201 88-0 (ServiceCenter Essen)
- Email: presse@our website
- URL: www.our website/presse
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