Independent contenders vying for Socialist Party nomination
Rebuilding Meerbusch's Society:
Meerbusch's Social Democrats (SPD) have set their sights on constructing a more inclusive, tolerant, and diverse community. To accomplish this, the SPD has scoured for powerful voices, particularly those with personal immigration backgrounds. The SPD recently hosted an open information night in May, welcoming representatives from the State Integration Council and Meerbusch's City Integration Council.
"It's a fantastic turnout, having found five determined individuals eager to lend their perspectives and experiences to our city in the future. Meerbusch is certainly about to become better! This goes to show that our call for open-minded community involvement was well-received. Participation in local issues led to obtaining new supporters for our city," commented Chantal Messing, chairwoman of the SPD Meerbusch.
Antje Schwarzburger, vice-chairwoman of the SPD Meerbusch, moderated the nomination meeting, stressing: "Our Meerbusch embodies an open, tolerant, yet diverse society. This diversity is a valuable asset for us all. Hence, it is crucial that equal opportunities are also considered through the 'integration lens' not just in education but also in numerous other sectors. After all, we are all one city!"
Each candidate emphasized their desire for democratic participation and social inclusion, wishing to step up, engage, and generate innovative ideas for the city.
Monica Angyalosi will lead the SPD list as the number one candidate. A Romanian native, she has settled with her family in Meerbusch for 18 years, boasting a diploma in informatics and motherhood to two. Angyalosi understands the challenges of starting anew in an unfamiliar place and hopes to assist new arrivals to navigate the hurdles and erode linguistic barriers.
Peter Rowlands, a seasoned resident originally from the UK, has devoted years to supporting refugees in Meerbusch. He aims to ensure a smooth and successful integration process for everyone, with special attention paid to children, the future of our city. With his experience, Rowlands aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and create connections.
Niloufar Hekmat, a pharmacist hailing from Iran and a mother, small business owner, and Meerbusch resident, seeks to pay back to her city by bridging prejudices, encouraging professional and educational advancement, and holding a sense of unity.
Michael Althoff is recognized for his long-standing commitment to UNICEF and "Meerbusch hilft," and understands the challenges faced by refugees. He advocates for accessible language promotion, intercultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
Jeton Hiseni, born in Kosovo and a Meerbusch resident since 1992, strives for a fair and equitable society with ample opportunities for people with a migration background in Meerbusch, and hopes to eliminate barriers and make integration vibrant and tangible.
"What a boon for our city," exclaimed Nicole Niederdellmann-Siemes, SPD candidate for mayor, in her closing remarks. "Time and again, it's impressive to see how many Meerbusch residents are ready to take the reins and work towards enhancing local life. These candidacies demonstrate that democracy thrives and that everyone has the power to make a difference," said Niederdellmann-Siemes. Politics should always endeavor to involve residents early in political processes and grant them a voice.
The Integration Council election will coincide with the local elections on September 14.
While specific details about the candidates' individual goals or backgrounds for promoting an inclusive society weren't found, it is commonly known that integration councils in German municipalities represent various parties and community groups, working together to promote a welcoming atmosphere and foster social cohesion. These councils often focus on educational programs, language classes, employment opportunities, and cultural events to support successful integration and minimize barriers faced by newcomers.
- The SPD, with their focus on diversity and inclusion, invited representatives from the State Integration Council and Meerbusch's City Integration Council for an open dialogue, demonstrating their commitment to creating a more inclusive, tolerant, and diverse society in Meerbusch.
- In their bid to lead the SPD list, Monica Angyalosi, a Romanian immigrant and mother of two, aims to help newcomers navigate the hurdles of starting anew and erode language barriers.
- The Integration Council election will be held alongside the local elections on September 14, and with candidates like Peter Rowlands, who has spent years supporting refugees, the council is expected to foster cross-cultural understanding and create connections.
- The SPD’s approach to politics emphasizes early resident involvement and granting them a voice, ensuring that policies and legislation regarding diversity, migration, and war and conflicts are shaped with the general public's perspective in mind.
