POLITICS - MICHÈLE SCHILT

“Our goal is to raise awareness that you are part of society”

ELECTIO NS 2023 The Zentrum fir Politesch Bildung (ZPB) promotes citizenship through a better understanding of democracy and the challenges facing society. Deputy director Michèle Schilt tells us more.

Voting in Luxembourg’s elections is mandatory for all citizens. How do you encourage people, particularly youngsters, to be well informed and engaged in politics? This is something we do in the long term, not just when elections are coming up. We talk to teachers and create materials and films that they can use to launch discussions. We want to ensure that people, from a very young age, are aware of what is happening. It’s important for everyone to realise they are a part of politics. We don’t only focus on elections but on civic life in general.

In January, we will have a ‘Super-Wal-Kirmes’, or a super election fun fair. Sometimes elections, and politics in general, are seen as being very serious. So we’ll make politics more playful--there will be a wheel of change with questions about elections, duck fishing where you can fish for ideas or popcorn buckets with links to more information.

47% of Luxembourg’s population are foreigners. They can only vote in communal and European elections, not legislative elections. Do you think this should be changed? I think we should have a debate about this. As the centre for citizenship education, we’re not here to take a side and say this is the right way to do things. Our aim is to launch a discussion around democracy. Luxembourg has quite a young population, and we could, as well, talk about giving 16-year-olds the right to vote. We want to encourage people to think about these questions.

Social media has become an increasingly important source of news over the past years. But it also allows misinformation to spread quickly. Do you have any thoughts on social media’s role in politics and democracy? Many people today don’t read traditional media; they get news from social media. But media literacy is something that is really targeted in Luxembourg--there are already many initiatives, such as courses on algorithms or hate speech.

We want to make sure that people understand what they’re reading, to help them decide whether this is true or false. Our propaganda guide is a way to see if the message you’re getting is trying to influence you.

ZPB organises Den DemokratieLabo, an interactive travelling exhibition that allows visitors to reflect on their ideas and experiences with democracy. Most recently, it was at the Lycée classique de Diekirch.

How did students react?

Students reacted quite well. The exhibition is very playful, and you get to decide what to do with this experience. It promotes dialogue, encourages discussion on controversial topics without being polarising and helps you reflect on where your opinions come from. But it’s not only for young people.

The exhibition is for all ages, from 12 to 99. Next spring, it will be in the theatre in Esch-sur-Alzette, where we will be able to engage more with adults and the general public.

What are some other activities that ZPB is planning to boost interest in elections and civic life next year?

We have videos--made by kids, for kids--that explain a variety of topics, such as how municipalities work. We’ll also work on updating election information, including guides on why to vote and how to mark your ballot in multiple languages, and will conduct a social media campaign on voting early next year. Our goal is to raise awareness that you are part of society, whether you like it or not, and that if you want, this is a way for you to try and change things.