Million The visitor: Pensionist Claus Peter Albers surprises in parliament

Million The visitor: Pensionist Claus Peter Albers surprises in parliament

Claus Peter Albers from Esslingen near Stuttgart had given himself to parliament for a tour. But when he arrived there, a surprise was overcome: "Dear visitors, we look forward to welcoming the millioniest guest at this moment since the parliament building was reopened," said one. Albers, a German pensioner who had never visited the high house before, was overwhelmed. He had often seen the parliament from outside when he visited his daughter in Vienna, but now he also wanted to experience it from the inside.

The top of the parliament warmly welcomed the millionth visitors. National Council President Walter Rosenkranz emphasized that the great interest of the citizens in the place of political debate and decision shows how important it is to make the work transparent and openly. Second National Council President Peter Haubner was pleased that interest in the renovated parliament did not stop even after almost two years since the reopening. Third National Council President Doris Bures emphasized the popularity of Parliament as an open house of the people and democracy. Federal Council President Franz Ebner interpreted a visit to the millionth guest as an impressive proof of public interest in democracy and parliamentarianism.

Parliament offers visitors: Inside of all ages, numerous offers. Free guided tours of the building take place every day in German and English, special tours for children and families are offered on Saturdays. There are also special tours through the parliamentary library, the Palais Epstein and on the subjects of art as well as parliamentarianism and women. Groups can book individual tours. In addition to guided tours, visitors can attend the National Council and Federal Council meetings, participate in events, research or visit exhibitions in the library and in the archive.

In the visitor: Interior center "Democratic - Experience Parliament" can explore the parliament on their own and find information material around the parliament. Various workshops from the democracy workshop are available for democracy education, in which eight to 19 year olds can play political participation in a playful way. In the youth parliament and the apprentice parliament, students or apprentices have the opportunity to slip into the role of MPs for a day.

The visit of the millionth guest in parliament underlines the importance of public interest in democracy and political events. It shows that Parliament is a place for many people that they want to visit to be part of the political process themselves. It is encouraging that interest in parliament continues long after the building has been reopened and that the diverse offers for visitors are very popular.

Source: www.parlament.gv.at