Steinmühlen High School showed great interest in engaging with the candidates

All of the district’s leading candidates running in the upcoming state legislative election gathered on stage at the Steinmühle Forum to share their views on controversial political issues with 12th and 13th graders. The politicians devoted most of their energy to distinguishing themselves from their political opponents.

Speaking before a packed auditorium, in front of students who will be first-time voters this year or next, was likely what made this event so appealing to the candidates. The questions to be addressed were provided by Jonathan Eckardt and Jan Templer. They are students in the advanced “Politics and Economics” course in the 12th grade at Steinmühlen High School.

The questions posed by the two young moderators and the follow-up questions from the audience focused, among other things, on opinions regarding the phase-out of the internal combustion engine, attitudes toward gender equality, and gender-neutral language, as well as Marburg’s “Move 35” transportation plan and the related question of how people from the surrounding areas—especially older residents of the city’s neighborhoods—should envision their future mobility. General issues were also discussed, such as the proposed solution to the teacher shortage or the environmental protection measures that the candidates considered both feasible and appropriate—to name just a few examples.

Given the generally well-known positions of the individual parties, there were few surprises in the answers. The candidates’ stances were sometimes polarizing, and if there was one thing that could be described as exemplary about the event, it was the fact that it took place in a mostly objective atmosphere.

There would have been plenty more “material” to continue the discussion. Unfortunately, however, the allotted time—90 minutes—was not enough. In any case, there is certainly no sign of the political apathy among young people that is often claimed in public discourse here at the Steinmühle.

Thanks to the efforts of subject teacher Dr. Claudia Röder, Steinmühle High School succeeded in inviting the candidates from all political parties, without exception, to participate in the school event. Principal Björn Gemmer thanked her and the political guests for this extraordinary and fruitful morning, which likely served as another important step toward helping the student body form their own political opinions.

This lineup promised a lively discussion. Participating in the political discussion with the students (from left) were Jan Schalauske (Die Linke), Sebastian Sack (SPD), Angela Dorn (Alliance 90/The Greens), Lisa Deißler (FDP), Dirk Bamberger (CDU), and Pascal Schleich (AfD). Jonathan Eckardt and Jan Templer (center) moderated the morning session.

 

Caught on camera:

Angela Dorn (Alliance 90/The Greens)

The phase-out of the internal combustion engine was an EU decision. That is often forgotten.

The Federal Constitutional Court has also ruled that there are more than two genders. Incidentally, this can also be observed in the animal kingdom.

We have doubled funding for road repairs. The FDP, however, is always in favor of new construction, but never of maintenance.

It takes too long to plan bike paths in Germany.

When it comes to local public transportation, we continue to support the “Every Village, Every Hour” initiative. However, this cannot be free of charge.

Our greatest resource is our mind.

We need a genuine educational revolution. Steinmühle can serve as a role model in this regard.

Go abroad! Take the time to look closely. Do internships! (Addressed to the student body, regarding career guidance).

Our prosperity is at risk if we do not meet our climate goals.

 

Dirk Bamberger (CDU)

We need to recognize that even electricity is not entirely CO2-neutral.

I take a critical view of gender-neutral language. For people with disabilities, it makes language more complicated.

Move35 suddenly disappeared behind closed doors. The concept is aimed at the car.

In 10 to 15 years, we may have autonomous vehicles, including buses.

Student tickets for everyone—we also need to consider how this will be funded.

In Hesse, we currently have more teachers than ever before, with fewer students than ever before—and more school psychologists than ever before.

 

Lisa Deißler (FDP)

The question arises as to whether the timing (for phasing out the internal combustion engine) is wise. And whether we have the infrastructure for charging (electric cars).

When it comes to Move35, there’s a lot I don’t understand either.

For a Green Party transportation minister (Tarek Al Wazir), the rail and bike paths in Hesse are underdeveloped.

We need private transportation. Otherwise, things will get bleak in the outlying neighborhoods.

We need technology for the future and must continue our research in that direction.

When it comes to renovation, government buildings need to be addressed first before imposing regulations on the public.

 

Pascal Schleich (AfD)

Phasing out the internal combustion engine is a complete mistake. We simply don’t have the energy for electric cars.

People are laughing at us. Biologically speaking, there are only two sexes.

Teachers have a higher rate of sick leave than people in other professions. This is due to overwork.

We support the preservation of special education schools. Inclusive classrooms require trained teachers.

When it comes to climate protection, we need to get others on board and, first and foremost, hold them accountable.

 

Sebastian Sack (SPD)

We need to take responsibility. In the long run, this means the end of the internal combustion engine.

Remote villages in the county still rely on private transportation.

I’m in favor of small buses and frequent service.

The community bus is a useful service.

Education must be free—whether it’s a vocational certificate or a master’s degree.

It is important to renovate houses.

We should stop picking on each other.

 

Jan Schalauske (The Left)

We must do everything we can to meet our climate goals. Phasing out internal combustion engines is the right thing to do.

I see the issue of gender language the same way Ms. Dorn does. It has to do with respect.

Roads should be repurposed to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The car-sharing concept is important for rural areas.

My vision for local public transportation: free of charge, no fare.

Educational success still depends on parents’ income.

To increase the number of teachers, we should focus on attracting people from other fields.