Caradt Professor Rubbing Shoulders with German Ministers, Politicians and Journalists at Congress in Berlin
On April 25, Germany’s largest progressive newspaper, Die Tageszeitung, brought together many of the country’s leading voices from the fields of politics, journalism, art and activism for its annual congress right in the middle of Berlin.
On 25 April, Germany’s largest progressive newspaper, Die Tageszeitung, hosted its annual congress Jetzt mal Tacheles (roughly: Let’s talk straight) in the heart of Berlin. Bringing together politicians, journalists, artists, activists and academics, the event created space for open and often challenging discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing Europe today.
Across more than 120 panels and conversations, participants debated themes including climate change, housing crises, free speech, war and peace, and the growing authoritarian tendencies within Germany and Europe. A recurring topic throughout the congress was the role of progressive politics and democratic participation in shaping more just and inclusive futures.
Sebastian Olma was invited to contribute to a panel alongside Alexander Dettke, Caroline Paulick-Thiel and Andreas Krüger. The discussion focused on how both traditional and emerging forms of cultural participation can help revitalise cities and regions as spaces of lived democratic practice and collective experience.
During the panel, Olma argued for the importance of revisiting the notion of the common good, a perspective that resonates strongly with CARADT’s ongoing research and collaborations, including projects such as Collective Innovation and Subverting Creative Placemaking. These projects explore how artistic and design-led approaches can contribute to more democratic, inclusive and socially engaged urban futures.
An interesting aspect of the congress itself is that Die Tageszeitung operates as a cooperative, fully owned by its 23,000 members, reflecting the event’s broader emphasis on participation, shared responsibility and democratic engagement.