Democracy

All over the world, people stand against injustice, misuse of power and bad living conditions, and lead campaigns for improvements. During these activities, new forms of citizen participation in political and administrative affairs are being created and improved. We support all efforts for better democracy and participation.

Berlin 2026: Elections to the House of Representatives and the District Councils

Election analysis

The Berlin election has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with the fringes gaining strength whilst the centre erodes. Surprisingly, The Left has emerged as the strongest force. The Greens have fallen short of their election target and lost key districts, but are playing a central role in the formation of the government.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian U. Bukow

2026 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state election

Election analysis

The candidate makes all the difference; the CDU finds itself outside parliament for the first time the Greens secure their place in the state parliament and are highly likely to become a governing party. The AfD becomes the strongest force and the sole opposition party.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian U. Bukow

2026 Saxony-Anhalt state election

Election analysis

The state election reflects a deep-seated division. The far right narrowly missed securing the absolute majority it had sought, thereby triggering a political earthquake. Forming a government is likely to prove difficult.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian U. Bukow

All articles on Democracy

Long-exposure night photograph of Budapest's Chain Bridge with colorful light trails from passing traffic,

Where Next? The Tasks of the Left in the Tisza Era

Commentary

Following the 2026 election, the Hungarian left found itself not merely without parliamentary representation, but at a strategic crossroads. The question is no longer how the old left might return, but what new role the left can forge for itself in the Tisza era.

Kristóf Szombati

From EU integration champion to Brussels critic: How Fico miscalculated in his campaign against the EU

Analysis

The euBrief portal analysed the most prominent anti-European narratives of Robert Fico’s fourth government, what experts say they are meant to achieve, and how they actually affect Slovaks.

Natália Silenská

Hungary After the Orbán Era: A Country on the Cusp of Change

Analysis

After 16 years of Viktor Orbán, a change of government in Hungary seemed almost unthinkable until recently. The new government’s next steps are important milestones for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.

Adéla Jurečková

Publications

Doppelagentinnen

Das Buch „Doppelagentinnen“ erzählt von tschechischen Frauen, die zum Studium, wegen der Arbeit oder aus Liebe nach Deutschland kamen. Die Interviews handeln von ihrem Alltag, von Zugehörigkeit und der Frage, in welcher Sprache es sich besser lachen lässt.

Dr. Zuzana Lizcová, Dr. Zuzana Jürgens

In It Together

Toolkit

The Feminist Resilience Toolkit brings together strategies from feminist activists across five continents. It shares practical exercises on well-being, digital security, leadership, and funding. Case studies show how movements resist repression and build collective strength.

Derya Binışık et al.

Actually European!? 2025

Executive summary

A majority of citizens in Germany have a positive view of the new federal government‘s pledge for a stronger leadership role in the EU, but clearly advocate for doing so in a cooperative manner. These findings come from the latest edition of our long-term study 'Actually European!?' on Germany’s role in the EU.

Dr. Maria Skóra, Georg McCutcheon

All Democracy publications

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LS/GS Links

Democracy

Berlin 2026: Elections to the House of Representatives and the District Councils

2026 Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state election

2026 Saxony-Anhalt state election

Where Next? The Tasks of the Left in the Tisza Era

From EU integration champion to Brussels critic: How Fico miscalculated in his campaign against the EU

Hungary After the Orbán Era: A Country on the Cusp of Change

Doppelagentinnen

In It Together

Actually European!? 2025

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