District meeting Eimsbüttel: online participation for all citizens?

District meeting Eimsbüttel: online participation for all citizens?

Bezirksamt Eimsbüttel, 20259 Hamburg, Deutschland - The district assembly Eimsbüttel could soon experience digital change! The FDP parliamentary group has brought in a brave application that not only wants to bring the meetings to the district office, but also to other places in the district. The goal? More civic friendliness and inclusion! The idea is that in the future at least one session per year in the Lokstedt, Niendorf, Schnelsen, Stellingen and Eidelstedt should take place. This should also give residents who do not live near the district.

But that's not all! The district assembly plans a hybrid model that should enable members to virtually participate in the meetings in exceptional cases. Benjamin Schwanke, the FDP parliamentary group leader, emphasizes that the presence meetings should not be abolished. Rather, online participation should offer an additional option. This could also be an advantage for the citizens who want to conveniently present their concerns via video conference or take part in civic hours.

financial support and transparency

To support the implementation of these plans, up to 2,500 euros should be provided for the rental of external rooms. Despite the desire for more transparency and digital options, the proposal for a live stream of the meetings was rejected. The experiences during Corona pandemic have shown that such transfers did not find the hoped-for response. Nevertheless, the FDP remains optimistic and sees the creation of transparent information options an important step to counteract increasing populism.