Baierbrunn – village of model democrats – district of Munich
Churchill’s frequently quoted judgment that “democracy” is “the worst of all forms of government – except for all others” does not sound like a declaration of love. This pragmatic sober assessment has established itself in our part of the world, and democracy, with all its shortcomings, would do a little more passion, especially in competition with powerful autocracies. One cannot blame the Baierbrunners for that, however, they are in love with democracy like no one else in Germany.
The mayor of Baierbrunn, Patrick Ott, received the official confirmation in the form of a trophy on Friday: The chairmen of the association “Demokratieverliebt”, Timo Albeshausen and Steven Tümler, presented the town hall chief from the ÜWG with a sculpture representing a large ballot box. The Isartalgemeinde earned the challenge cup because it was the municipality with the highest voter turnout in all of Germany in the federal elections: Almost 90.8 percent of Baierbrunners cast their votes.
Patrick Ott is proud: “A nice appointment. For me as mayor, it is an honor to work for such a community.” The aim of the association “Demokratieverliebt” is to raise general awareness. “The trophy was first awarded in the course of a federal election.” I think it’s a funny idea that such a competition might also provide an incentive for a higher turnout, “says Ott.
For the municipality of Baierbrunn, which also contributed to the fact that the electoral district of Munich-Land, with 84.8 percent of those with the highest voter turnout in Germany, the role model role in matters of democratic participation is nothing unusual. Also in other elections in the recent past or the commitment to the popular initiative “Save the bees”, the municipality with around 3400 inhabitants took the top spot in the Munich district. The challenge cup, which is a good meter high, will now be set up in the foyer of the town hall. “We want to defend him in four years,” said Ott.