Cem Özdemir, Member of the European Parliament
Cem Özdemir reflects on how stable democracies can afford experimenting with different voting concepts, thresholds for entering the parliament, direct democracy, selection processes in the party etc. The framework of democracy is discussed as enabling change, election is considered a suitable test for the system and one of the major challenges which is pointed at is an inclusive definition of citizenship.
Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Member of the European Parliament
Alexander Graf Lambsdorff identifies several topics for improving political systems.
For Germany he proposes to strengthen the Parliament vis-à-vis the executive branch, change the recruitment of politicians, increase the staff of MPs, and establish an institutionalised self-reflection.
For the European system he advocates for more transparency in the Council’s decision-making process, for taking subsidiarity more serious, and to change the voting system for the Parliament.
Stephen Aldridge, Director of the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit
Stephen Aldridge, Acting Director of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit of the Cabinet Office, illustrates how the unit contributes to the continuous improvement of policies in the UK. The strategy unit provides strategic policy advice to the prime minister and his office.
