Kim Peter Erichsen, Founder of Global Voter Foundation
The article creates a vision apart as the unequal distribution of votes is proposed. In the best possible world, socially desired behaviour would be incentivised. Kim Erichsen sketches a society which would not only be very different from our contemporary one but even more accurate in terms of participation and problem solving.
Franck Biancheri, President of the Newropeans
One step towards Political Excellence on European level would be an approach to improve the EU system within its framework. Franck Biancheri proposes the establishment of a trans-European political party with one party programme in all member states to run for European elections.
Samuel Kobia, General Secretary, World Council of Churches
From a Christian perspective, the quest for political excellence is described as a moral imperative, as the concept is attached to the ethical foundations of politics: peace, justice and prosperity for the people. Participation of civil society in politics and of politicians in society is highlighted as crucial.
Ramón Ruiz Ruiz, Professor of Philosophy of Law, Universidad de Jaén (Spain)
A search for real representation through an effective empowerment of the political basis: the citizens. The article suggests to restructure the institutional framework and to encourage the education of citizens in order to allow for a widespread and responsible participation.
Tobias Denskus, Doctoral Researcher, University of Sussex
From a development studies perspective, the author takes a different look on institutional arrangements. According to him, debates on Political Excellence should consider innovative interpretations from developing countries more strongly. Moreover, he takes in a critical perspective on management-driven international aid. For him, the central question is about power relationships between citizens and organisations.
Raul Espejo, CEO Syncho Ltd., Lincoln, UK
Various national policy processes affect local communities. The question is how can local stakeholders be included in these processes? Based on systems thinking, Raul Espejo offers principles and recommended practices for such participation.
Hermann Scheer, Member of the German Bundestag, Right Livelihood Award laureate
Facing problems like the declining membership of parties and less and less turnout, Hermann Scheer calls for decisive and broad reforms of democracy. Referring to Roosevelt's New Deal, he states that development of the political system is possible and necessary in order to avoid further alienation between the public and their representatives. His remedy for the German case includes the use of referenda on the federal level and the mandatory approval of new ministers by the parliament.
Dr. John Hulsman, Alfred von Oppenheim Scholar in Residence at the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin.
Dr. John Hulsman is an Alfred von Oppenheim Scholar in Residence at the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin. In his interview, Hulsman deconstructs democracy, party politics, and the political systems of Germany and the United States. For Hulsman, democracy is about changing people’s opinions – something top-ranking politicians in Germany don’t have the heart to do, as he had to find out in his uncounted off-the-record conversations with them.
Dirk Hillbrecht, Chairman of the German Pirate Party (Piratenpartei)
At the time of the interview, Dirk Hillbrecht was the chairmen of the German Pirate Party, a party that specifically addressing topics like data privacy and surveillance.
In this interview, Hillbrecht explains possible benefits of new
technologies for the political process, as well as the digital divide
within both the population at large and the political system and its
actors specifically.
