Zeuthen starts citizens' budget: co-decision from 2026!

Zeuthen starts citizens' budget: co-decision from 2026!

There is exciting news for citizens in Zeuthen: From 2026, a citizens, children and youth budget totaling 35,500 euros will be introduced. In a step that is unprecedented in the Dahme-Spreewald district, the community wants to promote participation and strengthen trust in the institutions. Mayor Philipp Martens from the Die Linke party emphasizes that this measure is intended to be a sign of more acceptance and more active citizen participation. Numerous suggestions have already been received from residents seeking creative ideas for how to use the funds. Schulzendorfer reports that a residents' meeting will take place on November 6th at which citizens can vote on how the money is used.

The first vote, which begins at 4:30 p.m., concerns the children and youth budget of 7,500 euros, followed by the vote on the citizens' budget of 28,000 euros from 6:30 p.m. This represents an excellent opportunity for the church to incorporate the voices of younger people and the community at large in its decision-making process. In addition, interested parties can submit proposals for the 2027 budget again in December 2025. This openness in local politics not only promotes commitment, but also gives citizens the feeling of being actively involved.

Strengthen civic engagement

But what is behind the approach of encouraging citizen participation so much? Mayor Martens firmly believes that through this initiative people will not only take on more responsibility, but also develop a good understanding of the needs of their neighbors. Creating a budget that directly benefits the community is a groundbreaking step that could have a big impact on the region.

If citizen budgets put a smile on the faces of people in Zeuthen, let's take a look at how similar projects have an impact in other areas. If you think about the importance of well-planned measures in the fight against crime, such as those announced by Ricardo Lewandowski and Cláudio Castro in Rio de Janeiro, you know that citizen participation in crucial places is also essential. A new “task force” set up in response to dramatic incidents aims to optimize cooperation between local and national authorities in order to tackle organized crime. Istoe reports that this measure aims to combat violence efficiently.

Fortunately, civil society in Zeuthen currently appears to be on the rise. The combination of citizen engagement at the local level with successful concepts to challenge crime on a global level shows that the trust and participation of the population is of utmost importance not only in Germany but also worldwide. Such well-thought-out measures will set the course for the future.