POLITICS IN DÜSSELDORF
The Federal Republic of Germany possesses complex political checks and balances of power. Germans, including residents of Düsseldorf, have long become avid democrats where state elections can reveal a turnout of 70% and above. But votes are just the beginning.
Most people believe democracy reflects majority rule. The truth is, Germany is a classic example that it does not. Most importantly, a 5% hurdle prevents some parties to enter parliament.
Indeed, the British mother of them all resisted universal suffrage for centuries. Even Sir Winston Churchill is famously quoted to consider democracy to be the worst system he knew, yet better that all the others.
In Germany too, minorities can hold enormous power even if the constitution presents barriers to political initiatives.
ELECTION INSIGHTS IN DÜSSELDORF
Germans often struggle with the ever-increasing power their country has attained along with global expectations and demands placed upon their leadership in the world order.
Direct nomination is balanced with party lists and proportional representation. When poll stations close, calculating the ensuing number of seats and possible coalitions in the lower house can be lengthy.
LOCAL ELECTIONS IN DÜSSELDORF
The municipal election is an opportunity for democracy to prove itself every five years. An opportunity for residents in Düsseldorf to vote for council representatives, district representation and Mayor or Mayoress.
Checks and balances such as proportional representation apply to the elections. For the Lord Mayor or Mayoress every vote counts directly, representatives are selected also according to party preferences. Voting in local elections is open to expat residents from any EU country.
Original language movies are popular among expats in Düsseldorf. Films are frequently screened in English at a variety of cinemas in original with subtitles, known as OmU or Original mit Untertitel and without, portrayed as OV or Original Version.
