Member of the Committee for Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
Here, I can contribute my expertise in the field of education to the committee's work and provide impetus. I would like to use my experience from the Startchancen programme to make this and similar programmes less bureaucratic.
In my parliamentary group, I am the rapporteur for key education policy issues that are particularly close to my heart:
Member of the Committee on Culture and Media
My constituency is home to two important cultural centers: Erfurt and Weimar. Preserving and developing this cultural diversity and history, and strengthening it at the federal level, is a key concern of mine.
In Erfurt, I am particularly committed to establishing a World Heritage Center for Jewish medieval heritage—a project of international significance. In Weimar, my focus is on the sustainable financing of the Klassik Stiftung and the German National Theater, two pillars of our national cultural history.
In addition, Thuringia should become even more visible at the federal level as a dynamic media location. With the studio park at the Children's Media Center and KiKA, the birthplace of German children's television, Erfurt has outstanding conditions. International film festivals such as the “Golden Sparrow” and the “TeleVisionale” also underscore the cultural appeal of our federal state
I am particularly concerned with strengthening club culture as an important space for young musicians, cultural diversity, and urban vitality.
Culture is more than just a nice-to-have. It is the foundation of identity, cohesion, and democracy. This responsibility guides my commitment to the committee.
In my parliamentary group, I am the rapporteur for the following topics:
Member of the German Bundestag's Enquete Commission on “Reviewing the Coronavirus Pandemic and Lessons for Future Pandemic Events
The coronavirus pandemic has had a lasting impact on many children and young people. From my work as a teacher during this time, I know how severely the crisis has affected their mental health in particular—with consequences that are still being felt today. I am now actively bringing this perspective and my specific experiences to bear in the political process, because we must learn the right lessons from what we have experienced for future pandemic events.
Member and current chair of the German Bundestag's Children's Commission
The Children's Commission (Kiko) sees itself as a parliamentary platform that focuses on the interests of the youngest generation and provides political impetus for a child-friendly society.
I have currently added the topic “Children are not clicks” to the Kiko's work plan. The point here is that children are not arbitrary digital content that can be disseminated on the internet without hesitation. Children have a right to privacy and to the protection of their own image. Therefore, parents and other adults should carefully and respectfully consider whether and how they share photos or videos of children online. This is not just a matter of digital etiquette, but of consistently protecting the personal rights of children. These rights deserve the highest priority in our society, especially in the digital space.
As a father and teacher, chairing the Children's Commission is a matter close to my heart. Children need not only a strong voice, but also an open ear that listens to them.
I am also a deputy member of the Budget Committee and the Petitions Committee.
