Migration, economic change, skepticism toward democracy: How can transformation succeed in Lusatia?

On November 24, 2025, a discussion will take place at the Bürgerzentrum Hoyerswerda as part of the Deutschlandradio-Denkfabrik under the annual theme “Machen statt meckern! Was passiert, wenn alle mit anpacken - ‘Do something instead of moaning! What happens when everyone pitches in?’”. The focus will be on how Hoyerswerda can reinvent itself after decades of change. After an introductory conversation with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, sociologist Raj Kollmorgen will discuss social dynamics, political tensions, and the future of democracy in the region with Mayor Torsten Ruban-Zeh (SPD) and Cindy Paulick. The event will be recorded and broadcast nationwide on Deutschlandfunk on November 26.